Cichelero, Maggie L. “Mary” (nee Bates), 93, passed away peacefully at home in the presence of her loving family on Monday October 30, 2023. Beloved wife of the late Aniceto Cichelero. Dear daughter of the late Lee Bates and Ollie Dushvanack. Loving mother of Shirley (Don) Heltibrand, Sharon (Dennis) Layton and Janet (Jack) Bangert. Cherished grandmother of Linda (Mike) Putnam, Lori (Scott Shelton) McKay and Kevin Bangert. Dear great grandmother of Zachary McKay, Jeffrey McKay, Katherine Putnam and Jackson Putnam. Our dear sister, sister-in-law, aunt, cousin and friend to many.
Mary dedicated her life to children and over the course of her life she lovingly fostered 56 babies for Lutheran Family Services. She loved country music, line dancing, traveling and crocheting.
Funeral from Kutis South County Chapel 5255 Lemay Ferry Rd. Wednesday November 8 at 10:00 am. Interment Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. Visitation Tuesday, November 7, 4-8 pm. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions to St. Trinity Lutheran Church 7400 Vermont Street St. Louis, MO 63111, appreciated.
The foster children. That’s an incredible way to make this world a little bit better place. I never had the honor of meeting her, but the good fortune of meeting her daughter Sharon, who is just as caring as her mother sounds to have been. Godspeed Mary.
My Great Aunt Mary was such an incredible, kind, and fun lady. Sadly I didn’t know her as much as I would’ve liked to, but everytime I saw her, she lit up the room. Aunt Mary was one of a kind and an influential women. She will always be in our hearts.
I love to hear about Mary’s many line dancing adventures. My heart goes out to her children and all of her relatives, you have my sympathy. She had a terrific life. My condolences.
She was one of my dearest friends. I met her through our line dancing adventures, but she made me feel like a life long buddy. I will surely miss our many phone calls. Rest in peace, Mary.
I’m so glad I got to see Mary in her final days. What a lovely lady. Sharon & Dennis are our dear friends. You are both in our prayers as well as Mary’s whole family.
We moved to Vermont Street in 1955. I was 5 years old. Fortunately, for me, the Cichelero family lived directly across the street, and in becoming friends with Shirley, Mary became my first neighborhood “mom.” Even though I was so young, I remember Mary’s kindness, her wonderful laugh, and the huge steaming bowls of spaghetti and meatballs! I have a feeling that when I knew Mary was making spaghetti, I hung out as long as I could so I might be invited to eat with them! She was so sweet to me, it worked every time! lol. I love you, Mary, and I will never forget those happy years. You showed a little girl what it was like to be a great neighbor. I never forgot it! Heaven gained an angel. I hope you are rejoicing with our Lord and having a glorious reunion with your loved ones.
Mary was such a dear friend for many years, we line danced together and had many fun adventures. She was so sweet, so kind, and caring. I will so miss her. We talked just recently about Heaven and how we would see each other there.
What a beautiful life Mary lived, she touched so many lives.
I always enjoyed being part of my mom Carol and Mary’s phone conversations. Mary was always so pleasant to talk with.
My deepest condolences to Mary’s family.
I really enjoyed visiting with my cousin Mary on several occasions, flying from Seattle to Missouri with my mom Irene Rhodes where we were able to visit with many relatives, also eating good Missouri food at my uncle Red Rhodes restaurant almost everyday. We were sent home with a few extra pounds and home made crocheted lap throws.
And Mary came and stayed with us in Birch Bay Washington, where we would go to the Bay daily. My mom Irene and I got to show Mary homesteads of several uncle’s, that had strawberry fields, among them were, uncle Herb, uncle Floyd and uncle Sidney. And of course Mary got to enjoy some of the best NW strawberries.
We had a lot in common, we both loved to line dance and had lots of love to share with many young people along the way.
She was very dear to me and will be greatly missed. She is now free from this life and into the hands of Jesus.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Love Carol Rhodes Shelton