Anita Celeschi During, 96, of Rantoul, entered into eternal rest at 8:02 p.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Villas of Holly Brook in Rantoul. A faithful servant of the Lord, Anita lived her life as a reflection of Christ's love welcoming, generous, and full of joy.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at St. Malachy Catholic Church with Father Joel Phelps and Father John Verrier officiating. Visitation will be held from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. Monday, March 2, at the Linden Banquet Center, 224 West Wheat Avenue, Rantoul. The Rosary will be prayed at 2:30 p.m. prior to visitation.

Anita was born on Christmas Day, December 25, 1929, in Gibson City, the daughter of Paul and Lucy Gentili Celeschi. Being born on Christmas seemed fitting for a woman who would spend her life giving so much of herself to others. She graduated from Gibson City High School and began her working years as a telephone operator, eventually becoming a union representative and organizer for the first phone operators' union, a role that reflected her strength and heart for fairness.

On January 16, 1960, she married Milton During, in Gibson City. Together they built a life farming in rural Rantoul.  Milton preceded her in death on June 8, 2005.

Anita was a devoted farm wife and later co-owner, alongside her daughter, of House of Flowers and Gifts in Rantoul. Many in the community knew her as the flower delivery lady with the beautiful smile. She delivered more than arrangements she delivered kindness, encouragement, and friendship. She never judged, rarely said no to anyone in need, and carried a generosity of spirit that made everyone feel welcome and loved.

Her Italian heritage was one of her greatest joys and a deep source of pride. Family was everything to her. She treasured holidays, family dinners, lively family reunions, and truly any reason to gather around a table filled with food, laughter, and the people she loved most. Her home was a place of warmth and welcome, where everyone belonged. Yet above all, her greatest pride and deepest joy were her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who were the true light of her life.

She is survived by her son, Kenny (Jeanette) During of Rantoul; her daughter, Paula (Rodney) Hopkins Plackett of Fisher; five grandchildren, Joshua Hopkins, Kristian Hopkins, Taylor (Chase) Carlson, Jansyn (Trent) Hopkins, and Reece During; and two great-grandchildren, Remy Carlson and Ophelia Hopkins. She is also survived by her sister, Eva Acree of Gibson City; sisters-in-law, Marilyn Celeschi of Madison, Wisconsin, and Virginia Celeschi of Melvin; along with many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Milton; her sisters, Mary Stoltey and Faye O'Neal; and her brothers, Domenico Gentili, Deno Celeschi, Aldo Celeschi, and Moe Celeschi.

Anita's life was a testament to simple, faithful living, loving everyone, judging no one, helping whenever asked, and smiling through it all. There was no better mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, or friend. Her family finds comfort in knowing she is now reunited with those she loved and is resting in the arms of the Lord she served so faithfully.

Memorial contributions may be made in Anita's name to the Saint Dominic Hall Capital Campaign at St. Malachy Catholic Church in Rantoul.