Mary Mandarino

Mary Mandarino nee Petruzzi passed away at home surrounded by family on June 18, 2025. Beloved wife of the late Eugene “Gene” Mandarino. Devoted mother of Gina Marie Mandarino, Patricia Ann Mandarino, Mark Anthony (Kimberly) Mandarino, and Eugene Nunzio Jr. (Melanie) Mandarino. Loving daughter of the late Potito “Pete” Petruzzi and the late Maria Santa “Cecilia” Petruzzi nee LiMarzi. Cherished Nona of Valerie Hall, Kelly (Adam) Hansen, Dana (Patrick) Goss, Gianna (Michael) Marotta, Andrea Mandarino, Natalie Mandarino, Frank Mandarino, and Anna Mandarino. Treasured Great Nona of Grayson, Bennett, Ashley, Celia, Giuliano, and Leo. Dear sister of Jim (the late Hildegard) Petruzzi, the late Joe (the late Dolores) Petruzzi, and the late Anna (the late Dan) Sakowski. Fond aunt and great-aunt to many, and a cherished friend to all who knew her.

Mary met Gene on a street corner in the city of Chicago, and they married in 1959. Together they raised their family in Hillside, where they built a home filled with strong family values. She was a homemaker who enjoyed cooking and baking for her friends and family. She was well known for her famous lemon squares, peanut butter balls, cream puffs, and Italian cheesecake, all made with love and a touch of tradition. A devout Catholic, Mary drew strength from her faith and remained feisty and full of spunk until the very end. Throughout her adult life, Mary faced many health challenges with courage and grit. Her strength and determination were unmatched—so much so that her family often joked she had an unlimited number of lives.

Visitation will be held on Monday, June 23, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Russo’s Hillside Chapels, 4500 Roosevelt Road, Hillside, Illinois 60162 (between Mannheim & Wolf Road). Funeral services will follow on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, beginning at 8:30 a.m. from Russo’s Hillside Chapels and proceeding to St. Domitilla Catholic Church, 4940 Washington Street, Hillside, Illinois, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated promptly at 10:00 a.m. Interment will take place at Queen of Heaven Cemetery. For additional information, please call (708) 449-5300. Kindly sign Mary’s guestbook to share your condolences and memories.

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