Ilona "Lola" Rubino

Ms. Ilona A. Rubino, age 73, left this earth on the afternoon of Sunday, March 10, 2024. Her sudden passing has left a devastating void for her family and loved ones. Ilona was born on October 18, 1950, in Yonkers, NY  to Andrew Edward Lucas and Frances Catherine (Petula) Lucas. She grew up in Yonkers with her parents and 3 siblings and attended Yonkers Public Schools. Ilona graduated from the High School of Commerce in 1968 and went on to receive her license in Cosmetology. She worked as a hairstylist at Mr. Don’s High Style Beauty Salon in Yonkers. She also worked alongside her mother and sister, Andrea, in sales at Reliable Silk Store, which she often talked fondly of. She married Thomas F. Rubino, in February 1969 in Yonkers and together they had 2 wonderful children, Tommy and Michele. In 1974 the family moved from their home in Yonkers to Sheffield, MA.  Ilona and her children then soon settled in Great Barrington where she raised them as a devoted and hard-working single mom. Ilona started cleaning houses to provide for her children and was a beloved and sought after housekeeper to each of her many clients throughout the years; they affectionately called her by her nickname, Lola.

After she announced her retirement, she had a few clients that she kept, they were all like family to her. Ilona loved to spend her free time with or talking to family, crocheting, macrame, cooking, treasure hunting, and antiquing. Her love of beautiful things included caring for a variety of plants and flowers, rewarding her with everyday tranquility. The Daisy flower is her love. Ilona was a lover of nature specific to the comfort of a purring cat and the birds that found an inviting space on her porch that she enjoyed very much. Her home was full of treasures that she loved to share with her loved ones. Ilona saw the smile and goodness in everyone and wore her caring heart on her sleeve. Music was a constant source of joy in her life from early on, enjoying dancing the discos, attending concerts, and just enjoying a variety of choice albums at home. Anyone could count on a kind word of advice, receive an unexpected treasure “knick knack” or a written note or card that would lift your spirit. Family and friends were her life. She possessed a creative and traditional flair for letter writing and recognized a birthday, holiday, special life event or remembrance traditionally by always sending a card, every envelope sealed with her signature smiley face and heart stickers, classic fashion for Ilona. We all thought we had more time ahead of us with Ilona, she was the most thoughtful and selfless mother, sister, grandmother, friend, and companion.

The pride and joy of her life was her family. Ilona was a loving and devoted mother, grandmother and in recent years, became a great-grandmother. Ilona is survived by her son, Thomas Rubino, his wife Jennifer and their children Anna, Olivia and Anthony Rubino, daughter Michele Errichetto, her husband Jim and their children James Errichetto and Alicia Errichetto Jones. She is also survived by her sisters Elaine (Joe) Calcagni, and Andrea (Lou) Volgare, her brother Andrew (Yolanda) Lucas, Jr., her 5 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She leaves behind her longtime companion, Mark Errichetto, her loving kitty Daisy and many extended family and friends both locally and in NY.

Ilona was predeceased by her parents, Andrew, and Frances Lucas.

A private family service will be held on Friday March 15, 2024 at Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, followed by a family graveside service at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Great Barrington.

The family welcomes anyone to share their memories, thoughts, or condolences on https://www.finnertyandstevens.com/obituary/ilona-rubino . In remembrance of Ilona, donations can be made in her name to the funeral home and will be donated to the Berkshire Humane Society c/o Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230.