Illa Rose Sarno

Illa Rose (Culler) Sarno, age 94, passed peacefully with family present on January 17, 2026.

She was born August 31, 1931, to Milton J. and Clara D. (Leininger) Culler in Delta, Ohio.

Illa married James D. Sarno on March 10, 1951, in Toledo, Ohio. They divorced in 1975.

Illa was a graduate of Swanton High School and moved from Swanton to Toledo after graduation. She worked as an optometric assistant to Dr. Timothy Kime in Sylvania for many years. Later she worked as an administrative assistant in the geology department at the University of Toledo. Earlier she worked in the finance and insurance industry.

An expert seamstress, Illa designed and sewed her daughter’s clothes and costumes, bringing Karen’s vision to reality, often overnight.

Her true passion was volunteering in her community. As a member of Flower Hospital Auxiliary, Illa marketed photos of babies, delivered flowers and mail, and provided other patient-centered support. She volunteered as an usher at Stranahan Theatre (previously Masonic Auditorium) for over 20 years. As a member of Eleanor Kahle Senior Center, Illa volunteered to assist with the annual fundraising rummage sale. She enjoyed meeting friends there to play Rummikub and other games.

Illa loved family reunions and other family gatherings. She especially enjoyed catching up with nieces and nephews and their families. She was blessed to grow closer to them in recent years, especially to Rodney (and Tammy) Culler.

Always a nature lover, Illa enjoyed her Keeshond grandpuppies and other pets in the extended family. She loved watching the birds and squirrels.

She is survived by her daughter, Karen Sue (Sarno) Godfrey (Geoffrey M.) and many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and nephews, and Keeshond “Grandpuppies”! Illa was predeceased by her parents; brothers, Harry (Georgia Leffel), Lewis (Doris Thomas), Richard (Carol Finney), and John (Ruth Ann Harger); and sister, Phyllis “Sue” (Ray) Fitch.

A celebration of life will be scheduled in the spring. The family wishes to thank Elizabeth Scott Community staff for their compassionate care. Those wishing to donate in Illa’s memory are asked to consider Maumee Valley Save-a-Pet, mvsap@att.net; Dr. Modiano Oncology Research Fund, vetmed.umn.edu; Toledo Animal Rescue, toledoanimalrescue.org; or a charity of their choice.