Mary J. Fiorito (nee Cipolla), 96, of Arlington Heights, Illinois, passed peacefully on October 2, 2025. Born in Rockford, Illinois to the late Gerlando and Theresa (nee Barba) Cipolla. Mary spent her early working years at Montgomery Wards, where she worked in the office. In her later years she worked at Woolworths, where she gracefully balanced roles as hostess and cashier. She also worked at the neighborhood cleaners. However, her true passion lay in being the devoted housewife and caretaker to her family, a role she cherished throughout her life. She was also available and eager to help anyone. For the last 3 ½ years she lived at Bella Terra, senior living. She loved to play bingo, balloon volleyball, and getting her nails done. She was deeply loved by the residents and the staff.
Mary was preceded in death by her loving husband, Benny Fiorito; her daughter, Susan Gallagher; and her siblings and spouses: Maria (Joe) Alfano, James (Ann) Cipolla, Rose (Carl) Contino, Sam (Joan) Cipolla, and Josephine (Ray) Cacciatore. She is survived by her loving children, Carol (the late Charles) Thudium and Jack (Marie) Fiorito; her adoring grandchildren, Nicholas (Belinda Banda) Fiorito, Stefanie Thudium, Nicole (Erick) Strnaka, Bryan Thudium, Anthony (Vanessa) Fiorito and Steven Gallagher; and her loving great-grandchildren, Kinzie and Nixon Strnaka, and Michaela and Reyn Fiorito. Mary is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Visitation will be Tuesday, October 7, 2025, 9:00 am at St. Edna’s Church, 2525 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, IL. 60004, until time of Funeral Mass at 10:00 am. Interment to follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery, 2501 E Euclid Ave, Arlington Heights, IL 60004.
The Funeral Mass will be livestreamed on St. Edna's YouTube Channel. Please follow the below link and it can also be found under Playlists, Funeral Masses: https://www.youtube.com/@St.EdnaParish_AH/featured
