Mary Ann Pirone

Mary Ann Pirone, age 76, passed away peacefully at her home in St. Louis, Missouri, on November 2, 2025. Mary Ann was born in St. Louis on March 21, 1949, to George B. Pirone and Elizabeth J. Pirone (Fivecoat).

Mary Ann dedicated her life to the pursuit of knowledge and the sharing of it with others, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from Fontbonne College and a Master of Library Science from Rosary College. After graduating in 1973, she began her career at the Aurora Public Library in Aurora, Illinois, where she worked until her retirement in 2010.

She was an insatiable reader. Her home was filled with books—on bookshelves, the kitchen table, the nightstand, and even the floor. She had a personal library of books that would make any public library envious. She spent nearly every free moment reading. Her interests were wide-ranging: science fiction, biographies, historical fiction, nonfiction, genealogy, history, dogs, hummingbirds, and especially the history of St. Louis and the Hill. She was also a devoted reader of The New Yorker.

Mary Ann’s love of books and her academic achievements laid the foundation for a distinguished career as an interlibrary loan librarian, reference librarian, head of the young adult department, and later, as a genealogy and local history specialist. She organized book clubs and book talks and was a regular guest on a radio show featuring a trivia segment.

Mary Ann loved introducing people to new things. She always said, “A really good book deserves to be shared.” She found joy in seeing others discover something she loved and especially delighted when the things she shared were passed along to others in turn.

Her professional life was defined by a deep commitment to helping others discover their roots and understand their communities. Mary Ann’s passion for genealogy extended beyond her work—she volunteered regularly at the Hill Neighborhood Center, assisting countless individuals with tracing their family histories and exploring the rich heritage of the Hill.

Mary Ann was well known for her sharp wit, generous spirit, and thoughtful nature. Those qualities reflected her beautiful mind—full of curiosity and creativity. She maintained a positive attitude about life even through her physical and medical challenges, inspiring those around her with her strength and grace. Her curiosity about the world was matched only by her kindness toward those around her. Whether through a shared laugh or a quiet word of encouragement, she left an indelible mark on all who knew her.

Mary Ann loved music—singing, listening, and writing songs and parodies. She owned more than 200 CDs. She also enjoyed crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles (the more pieces, the better), card games like bridge and canasta, Scrabble, crocheting, coloring, and an occasional visit to the casino.

Family meant everything to Mary Ann. Although she lived in Aurora for 40 years, she returned home to St. Louis for every holiday and important family event. She was very close to her parents and spoke with them every day.

She is lovingly remembered by her sister, Patty Opfer, and her husband, Michael; her niece, Abigail Cain, and her husband, Jordan; her great-nephew, Michael Cain; her great-niece, Adelina; her aunt, Judy Pirone; and many cousins and dear friends who cherished her deeply.

Visitation will be held Monday, November 17th, at St. Ambrose Church, 5130 Wilson Avenue, from 9:00–10:00 AM, followed by Mass at 10:00 AM with an interment to follow at Resurrection Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Mary Ann’s name may be made to The Hill Neighborhood Center, www.hillstl.org

May Mary Ann’s memory bring comfort to all who were touched by her warmth, humor, and wisdom.