Mary Ippolito Collura

91, of Tampa passed away peacefully at home Friday May 27, 2016. Mary was born in Tampa Florida and is survived by her loving husband of 69 years Sam, her daughter Linda Smith, (Ron) and son Sam Collura, Jr., (Nancy), her sister Sarah Cona and brother Joe Ippolito. She was a proud Nana to four grandchildren, Ryan, Kalisha, Jason of Cleveland, OH, and Kaleigh. Six great grandchildren Jacob, Madelyn, Dima, Rocco, Sophia, and Carmen. She is preceded in death by her father, Angelo Ippolito, mother Josephine, and brother Frank. Mary was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She was Catholic, loved God, treasured family, was the best Italian cook ever and passed on to her children and grandchildren the love of cooking. She graduated from Hillsborough High School in 1944 and worked in photo finishing and after a long career, she retired from Jack Eckerd Corporation in 1987. She was then a homemaker, and she and Sam loved to spend time together, eat at fun places, visit family, and travel. Their trips to Hawaii and Alaska were very special to both of them and they spent many happy years at property on Indian Rocks beach enjoying weekends and holidays with family and friends. She had a sweet generous heart, wonderful laugh and was loved by all who knew her. Thanks especially to her part time caregivers especially to Sandra and also to Sor Angel who were with mom for many years and to LifePath Hospice Blue Team. Her devoted husband Sam took care of her every need. Relatives and friends are invited to attend her service on Tuesday at Garden of Memories at 10:00 and service at 11:00, burial will immediately follow. Funeral arrangements by Garden of Memories located at 4207 East Lake Ave. Tampa, FL 33610. Condolences may be expressed online at http://obits.dignitymemorial.com/dignity-memorial/obituary.aspx?n=Mary-Collura&lc=9756&pid=180143641&uuid=b06a6f08-9099-4118-bbf7-787034ee64e1.