Juanita M. Rago Obituary

Juanita Marie Rago (née Setinc), lovingly known as Nita, age 84, passed away peacefully on January 28, 2026, in Oak Brook, Illinois. Born on September 7, 1941, Nita lived a life defined by kindness, curiosity, generosity, and a joyful willingness to say “yes” to whatever adventure—or volunteer opportunity—came her way.

Nita spent most of her life in the Chicagoland area, with a meaningful 11-year chapter on Long Island during the 1970s. A true renaissance woman, she held more jobs than the average person and embraced each with enthusiasm and creativity. Her professional life included work as a legal secretary for various law firms, Standard Oil, and FREE in New York—a pioneering organization dedicated to the psychiatric deinstitutionalization movement of the 1970s. Ever the entrepreneur, she also had a silk flower business, a massage therapy practice, and her own secretarial business. Nita’s adaptability and eagerness to learn were among her many defining traits.

Music, performing arts, creativity, and service were at the heart of Nita’s life. She loved to sing and was deeply involved with the Sweet Adelines, a barbershop harmony choral group that brought her immense joy and lasting friendships. Later in life, she continued to pursue her love of performance and community as a member of the Mayslake Chorus and by participating in an improv troupe, delighting in the challenge, laughter, and camaraderie that came with trying something new. She loved to act and performed in many plays over the years. Volunteering was not just something Nita did—it was who she was. She generously gave her time as a Girl Scout leader, a Catholic religious education teacher, a proud member of the Elmhurst Evening Junior Women’s Club, and even as part of a clowning ministry, spreading laughter, comfort, and light wherever she went.

Nita was deeply kind, endlessly generous, and the very best hype woman anyone could ask for. She had a remarkable gift for seeing the best in people and making them feel truly valued, often through her heartfelt compliments, boundless encouragement, and unmistakable warmth.

She was a devoted mother to her beloved children, Maria Rago, Anne Rago Hackett (Terry Hackett), and Leonard Rago, all of whom survive her. She was preceded in death by their father, Leonard Rago. Nita was a proud and loving grandmother to Alex Khan, Tia Khan, Erica Hackett, and Mia Hackett, who were a constant source of joy in her life.

Nita was preceded in death by her parents, Emil Setinc and Margaret Setinc, and her stepmother, Ann Setinc. She was also preceded in death by her brother, George Setinc, who passed just four days before her and brother David. She is survived by her siblings Shirley Baloun (Paul), Steven Setinc (Joanne), Carol Drogaz (the late Jim), and Sandra Setinc.

Nita will be remembered for her big heart, eclectic spirit, tireless generosity, and unwavering belief in the goodness of others. Her warmth, humor, creativity, and love live on in the many lives she touched—and in the countless people who were lucky enough to be cheered on by her.

A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, March 12th at 10 am at Our Lady’s Chapel at Mayslake Village, 1801 35th St, Oak Brook, IL 60523, followed immediately by a family receiving line, family tributes to Juanita, lunch and fellowship in Frigo Hall on the Mayslake Campus, 1789 35th St, Oak Brook IL 60523. Please note these exact addresses, as there is also a Mayslake Peabody Estate which also has a chapel, but is at a different location. This can confuse even the cleverest GPS system.

Interment will be private. Juanita will be laid to rest at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Hillside, IL. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Nita’s memory to Mayslake Village Retirement in Oak Brook, Illinois. https://www.mayslake.org/dona…

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