Mary Anne Aiello (nee Franke) December 3, 1943 – May 10, 2025
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Mary. She is lovingly remembered by her husband of 60 years Samuel Aiello; children Christopher (Cindy) Aiello, Mandy Aiello and Nicole Ferguson; grandchildren Nathan, Alexander, Gabriel (Katherine), Eva Marie, Ellis, Fischer, Braeden, Samuel and Hailey; great-grandchildren Clara and William; sister Patricia Clever; Aunt to many and friend to all. Mary was preceded in death by her parents; Henry Franke Jr. and Rosalyn (Cyril) Litteken; brother William Franke and sister Kathleen Hill.
Mary spent her life bringing joy and happiness to everyone. She was a constant source of love, wisdom and encouragement. As a wife and mother, she dedicated her early years to her family. She returned to college as her children became school age to further her ability to help others. Graduating Magna Cum Laude with her Master’s in Special Education from Southwest Missouri Baptist after earning her Bachelor’s at UMSL. She blessed countless lives at Seckman Jr. High as a Special Education teacher until she retired on a lake with her husband. Mary and Sam spent many years of their lives traveling to all contiguous states on their Gold Wing motorcycle and their later years vacationing on the beach at Gulf Shores. Her passion for the outdoors and water kept her young, active and vibrant even at 81 years of age.
Her love of the St. Louis Cardinals, especially Ozzy Smith, brought her years of enjoyment with her family, siblings and friends throughout the years. Spring Training, Field of Dreams and baseball museums were all adventures she enjoyed with her dear siblings. She will continue to cheer from Heaven’s outfield.
Mary will forever be remembered for her unwavering love and devotion to her family. She touched the lives of all she met with her strength, compassion and genuine love. Siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends all experienced her uplifting love through her actions and inherent ability to give of herself whether it be in her actions, her words or the special gift that chosen specifically for you. Holidays, especially Christmas, filled her with pure happiness as she was the heart of all of our family events. Her smile lit up every room and life she touched.
While we mourn the loss of an incredible woman, we take comfort in her legacy in the lives and memories she left behind. Mary is an inspiration for everyone to live up to her beautiful example of a life lived with kindness, warmth and unconditional love.
Services: Funeral at Kutis South County Chapel 5255 Lemay Ferry Rd on Friday, May 16, 11 a.m. Burial Shepherd Hills Cemetery.
Our family welcomes donations to the Dementia Society of America in lieu of flowers. Donate | Dementia Society of America®
Visitation Thursday 4-8 p.m.
She was a great lady and was always upbeat. Just nobody like her. I will miss my talks I had with her.
A precious friend to all who loved her. I became a friend later in life & I treasured that friendship. Mary will forever be missed by those who had the privilege of knowing her. Sending love & prayers for comfort & peace to her precious family.
Mary was a dear friend. Whoever wrote the obituary, got it right, she was loved by all. We became friends during our children’s school yrs. She had 3 I had 4, so there was always something going on with one of them. I want to think we helped each other get thru those yrs.
I was so proud of her when she went back to school and graduated on the Deans list at the age of 50. She would’ve been the teacher I wanted for my kids. She was so caring and understanding.
We went thru several yrs not seeing each other for which I am ashamed. We put things off until one day it’s not possible. I am so happy we did make it to their 60th anniversary party. I came home with such a wonderful feeling after getting to talk to her and catch up.
I hope you realized just what an impression you made on a lot of people’s lives. You are gone but never forgotten. Prayers for Sam, kids, grandkids and all her family. May God be with you today and forever.
I will deeply miss Mary she was always a source of comfort especially the last 10 years always checking on Gary and me after Gary was diagnosed with end stage kidney disease. Whoever wrote her obituary did a great job because Mary was everything that was written about her. My family will have Sam and the family and friends in our prayers for comfort through this trying time
Mary was the kindest most compassionate woman I ever met. We didn’t meet until 2004, but had an instant connection.
Our world is a sadder place without her.
Saw Mary last year when I invited her to our 67 year grade school luncheon. So happy she could attend. Now I know why I didn’t get a response to my phone message.
Rest in peace.
I my mom had dementia when she passed I pray that some day soon they find a cure Amen and God Bless Mary’s family and I love that she was a huge cardinals fan and that Ozzie Smith was her favorite he was mine to
Please accept my sincere condolences. May Jesus’ promise of the resurrection bring you peace and hope.