Victoria Ann Prestinario

Victoria “Vicky” Ann Prestinario, 75, of Maricopa, AZ, formerly Willow Springs, IL returned to the light on June 1, 2025. She was the dear wife of Peter J. Prestinario, devoted mother to Carie Holecek, Mandie (Mazen) Prestinario, and Kristie (Joseph) Martorano. Cherished grandmother to Charity & Kailyn Riggs, William Martorano, and Wayne & Isabella Holecek. Beloved daughter of the late Gerald and Alice (nee Sluszarcyk) Liebold, loving sister of Virginia (Bill) Owens, Henry (Gloria) Liebold, Veronica Cook, Heidi (Dale) Gobreski, and the late Gerald Liebold and Fred (Gloria) Hawker. Warmly regarded sister-in-law to Gail Prestinario-Cisek, Candace Prestinario, and the late Thomas Prestinario. She will be affectionately remembered by her many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Always ready with a smile and a compliment, Victoria spread sunshine wherever she went. An admirer of nature and animals, she had a gentle soul that radiated kindness. Her love for her family was absolute and unwavering and on display in everything that she did.

Vicky was born in Chicago, IL and as a kid enjoyed participating in park district activities with her 3 brothers, 3 sisters, and 6 cousins. The tragic loss of her mother when she was 15, shaped her into a responsible caregiver for her younger siblings. Victoria insisted it was not the quantity of the time she spent with her mother, but the quality.

At 16, she met Peter Prestinario on a blind date and knew early on that she was going to marry him. They were wed in 1969 and during their early married life had to contend with long stretches apart due to Peter being in the Army and having to attend basic training as well as a stint overseas in Germany. In 1970, Victoria’s father passed away and Peter was able to return home from Germany for a time. Later that year his army contract ended, and they were able to start their life together in Illinois.

Victoria was blessed with three daughters. Carie in 1972, Mandie in 1978, and Kristie in 1980. She worked long hours, but always made time to do special things for the kids. Whether it was laying at the foot of their bed to say prayers together, creating impressive handmade Halloween costumes, or bringing the funnest cupcakes for school events, she forever made the girls feel loved.

Peter and Victoria owned a Convenient Food Mart in Alsip, IL when the kids were young. Working with people was where Victoria excelled and she became a sought out friendly face in the community. Her fresh made sides and salads were a hit at the deli counter - potato salad, hawaiian salad, and three bean salad were some of the best sellers. She loved to celebrate the lives of her customers, watching kids grow into adults and families expand.

In 1994, Peter, Victoria, Mandie, and Kristie left the Chicago suburbs and moved to the Phoenix area for new opportunities within a family business. Carie, who was recently married, remained in Illinois. Victoria missed her home state and eldest daughter, but threw herself into work as the Office Manager at the family vending company. She was a customer and employee relations guru with a strong work ethic. In that role, she got to work with some great people, including her nieces and nephews. Aunt Vicky was always available to listen, offer advice, and give hugs when needed.

In retirement, Peter and Victoria enjoyed spending summers in Illinois with their daughter Carie and grandkids, Wayne and Isabella (Izzy). They would make the drive from Arizona to Illinois with Kristie’s daughters, Charity and Kailyn, so that the cousins could enjoy the summer together. While in the midwest, Vicky found happiness in visits with her siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, and best friend, Terrill Counts.

In recent years, she also traveled to Virginia to enjoy time with cousins, Texas to visit her sister Roni, and Utah to see her eldest granddaughter, Charity, who had recently moved there to attend medical school.

Although Victoria faced health issues throughout her adult life, she always maintained her sense of humor and genuine good nature, spreading joy and smiles wherever she went - grocery store, physical therapy appointments, doctor visits. Those smiles are her legacy, a legacy that continues to shine through in her daughters and grandchildren.

Visitation will be Wednesday, June 18th from 4:00 - 8:00 pm at Valley of the Sun Mortuary, 10940 E Chandler Heights Rd, Chandler, AZ 85248. Prayers will be led at 5:00pm for those who would like to participate.

Funeral Mass will be June 19th at 10:00 am at Corpus Christi Church, 3550 E Knox Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85044.