Maria (Mary) Santina Cipriano, 89 years old, of Glen Carbon, Illinois (former long-time Staunton resident) died Sunday, June 18, 2017.  Mary was born in 1928 in Italy, an only child. As a child, Mary and her mother made the long journey by boat to the United States to join her father who had come to the U.S. seven years prior to make a life and home for his family.  She married John J. (Chippy) Cipriano in 1955 in Staunton, Illinois.  In addition to being predeceased by her parents, Chippy predeceased her in 1989. 

Mary spent the early years of her marriage raising her children and then attending Lewis and Clark Community College to become an LPN.  She worked briefly at Community Memorial Hospital, but spent much of her time helping out at the Mill Café on Old Route 66, the family restaurant.  After the Mill closed, Mary enjoyed cooking and sold her famous salad dressings, cheesecakes, and Italian dishes.  She was also a dedicated and loving babysitter to many young children and a dear friend to many.  Mary called Staunton home most of her life and was a member of St. Michael’s Church, in addition to other local organizations. 

Mary is survived by her daughter Carol (husband Jim) Conkling of Mt. Olive, IL, son Lou (wife Becky) Cipriano of Raleigh, NC, and son Michael Cipriano of Sacramento, CA.  She leaves behind six grandchildren DJ (wife Lori) Cipriano of Belmont, NC, Jennifer Cipriano of Raleigh, NC, Ben Conkling (fiancé Katie) of Troy, IL, Tim Conkling of Wood River, IL, Maya Cipriano of Portland, OR, and Sophia Cipriano of Portland, OR. In addition, she was blessed with two great grandchildren, William and Matthew Cipriano.

As per her wishes, Mary’s body was gifted as an anatomical donation to medical science, cremains will be interred in Staunton Memorial Cemetery sometime later. A Mass of Celebration will be held Monday July 3, 11am at St. Michael Catholic Church in Staunton, IL.  A reception will follow. You may honor Mary by directing memorials to St. Michael Catholic Church Restoration Fund, Staunton, IL.  

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