Mary Margaret DeRose

Falls Church, VA., formerly of Lansing, MI

Passed peacefully into God’s hands on Monday, June 11, 2012. She was the daughter of Italian immigrants, Julia and James Bonfiglio of Elkhart, Indiana who predeceased her. Mary was also a wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, sister, and a loyal friend. Nothing made her happier or prouder than her family. The times spent with them and the memories created are her greatest legacy. In addition to being the driving force in her family she was a well-respected business woman and leader in the restaurant and Insurance communities in her hometown of Lansing, Michigan for 30 years. She built, owned and operated the famous Maria’s Restaurant and Cocktail Lounge with her husband Albert. They introduced fine Italian dining and the ever popular “pizza” to the Lansing community. They ran the business for 15 successful years until Albert’s passing in 1964. Mary went back to business school in Lansing to refresh her business skills and later began a second career as an insurance investigator for Michigan Miller’s Insurance Company for fifteen years.

After retirement in 1984 she moved with her loving sister, Irene Bonfiglio, to Vienna, VA, to be with her devoted daughters, their husbands and her six wonderful grandchildren for whom there was nothing she would not do. She had a big heart and was the center of multiple family get togethers, vacations, birthdays and holiday celebrations. Mary gave the best advice to anyone who asked for it, and was most happy when she was able to give of herself and make the people she loved smile with her delicious Italian cooking, many holiday banquets, and involvement in their busy lives. She so enjoyed watching her grandchildren perform in sports, plays, and myriad school events, and always attended their graduations, weddings and touted their success to anyone who would listen. Mary will always be remembered for the unbelievable vibrancy and grace with which she lived her life each day.

She is survived by her two daughters, Diane Ignatowski (Leonard) and Patricia Bates (Michael), 6 grandchildren, Lennie Ignatowski and Kate of Brisbane, Daniel Ignatowski, Mary Kate Baucom and Kevin, and Liz Bates, as well as two beautiful great grandchildren, Keely and Chloe Baucom. She is also survived by her sister Irene Bonfiglio, and many beloved nieces, nephews and a sister in law in Lansing, her hometown. She was predeceased by her brother, Sammy, of Elkhart, her brother Bill who died on the Arizona at Pearl Harbor in WW11, and her beloved husband, Albert, of Lansing.

Mary was very active in St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Vienna for 30 years and the Lifelong Learning Institute of Northern VA. where she attended many forums and classes in the humanities and politics. She was also a 40 year active member of Resurrection Church in Lansing, Michigan. Relatives and friends attended Mary’s Life Celebration at Money and King Funeral Home. A rosary service was held during visitation at 7:30 PM and a Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Mark Catholic Church in Vienna, VA. The family will also receive family and friends at the Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home, 900 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI on Wednesday, June 20 from 6-8 PM. A rosary service will be held during the visitation at 7:30 PM. A Graveside Service will be held at the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery on Thursday, June 21 at 11:00 AM where she will rest alongside her husband, Albert. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Macular Degeneration Society or the American Heart Association in her name. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.moneyandking.com