Mary Pirrello

Mary Pirrello age 94 passed away Monday September 14, 2015. She had the pleasure of visiting with most at her immediate and extended family over the last 3 weeks of her life. Family was her greatest joy. Mary enjoyed playing duplicate bridge competitively with her many friends at the Rockford Bridge Club. She played tennis into her 60s. She was a member of the St. Anthony Altar and Rosary Society and the St. Ambrose Ladies Auxiliary, winning the ladies team bocce championship at age 85. She was very active in the St. Joseph Day celebration presented by St. Anthony Church. Mary was an excellent seamstress and renowned for her specialty cookies and decorated cakes. She spent the last 3 years at Independence Village where she enjoyed card games, parties, crafts and music with the many friends she made there. She was very proud of the fact that she was able to earn her high school diploma by passing the GED class at age 80. Her comment was, “You’re never too old to learn.”
Survivors include her five children, Sam (Linda) Pirrello, Felicia Pirrello, JoMary (Douglas) Dahl, Billy Pirrello and Patty Sweeney. Grandchildren, Karl Mark, Heather Ledesma, Elizabeth Pirrello, Anthony Pirrello and Alysia (Gina) Nelson. Great grandchildren, Jaxon Lucas and Angelito and Karl Ledesma. Sisters-in-law, Angie Pirrello and Libby Getty. Predeceased by her parents Josie (Arbisi) and Anthony Gagliano. Husband Sam (Slue) Pirrello and Son, Anthony Pirrello.
Funeral Mass at 11am Friday September 18, 2015 in St Anthony Church 1010 Ferguson Street with the Franciscan Friars officiating. Burial in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation from 9:30 until time of service Friday in the church. Arrangements by Fitzgerald Funeral Home 3910 N. Rockton Ave. Express online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com