Mary Ellen Fava passed away on January 16, 2025, at age 77, after having “fought the good fight.” She was a devoted wife of 55 years to Richard Fava, loving mother to Kelli Jackson (Charlie) and Angela Frazier (JD), and proud grandmother to Jacob, Joshua, Ella, Sophia, Joseph and Gabriella. She was also a beloved sister to Karen Mrad (Rick) and Bob Perry. Mary was predeceased by her parents, Margaret (Whitter) and Lawrence Perry, and her brother, Larry Perry.
Mary was a much-loved aunt, great aunt, sister-in-law, friend, and confidant. She leaves a massive hole in the hearts of so many people. Mary showed us how to live a life of kindness, generosity, and service to others. She loved her family unconditionally and was incredibly proud of each and every one of us. She was the grandma and aunt who always came bearing gifts and found humor in every situation. Mary told it like it was and made us laugh until the very end, even in her final days and hours.
Mary and Rich met at Bayless High School when she was 15 and he was 17. She quickly knew that this boy was something special, and the two of them spent the next 62 years as each other’s best friends and “sweeties.” After high school, Mary spent 35 years working at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, where she cultivated friendships that would last a lifetime.
Mary was known for her famous “Aunt Mary’s cheesy potatoes,” pretzel jello salad, whiskey slush, and weekly bingo games. She and Rich were always the first on the dance floor at family weddings, giving everyone a lesson with their impressive moves. Mary was quick-witted, a bit sarcastic, and loved to laugh. During the pandemic, she ministered to others by baking desserts every Friday for the first responders at Engine House 31 in St. Louis Hills, continuing this tradition for several years until her health interfered with her baking schedule. Mary also decorated her house for every holiday, but Christmas was her favorite, and she was thankful to enjoy one last Christmas with family and friends.
A Memorial Visitation will be held at Kutis Affton Chapel 10151 Gravois Rd. 63123 on Thursday, February 6, from 5pm to 8 pm, with the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy from 5:30 to 6 pm. A Funeral Mass will take place on Friday, February 7, at 9:30 am at St. Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Church, 6303 Nottingham Ave., St. Louis, MO 63109, followed by interment at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy are suggested to BJC’s Siteman Cancer Center Make a Gift or PWSA| USA in honor of her grandson, Joseph, who is living with Prader-Willi Syndrome. Donate – Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA
It’s heartbreaking to know that you are gone from us at this time. I am so very grateful we had one last visit together ❤️❤️ we love you Mary and promise to keep a watch over Rich.
Xoxo
Rich, I guess you knew long ago that Mary was going to be a fighter to the end! I can hear her warm laughter as I think of her. Your family will continue to be in our prayers as you walk the rest of your journey without your dear love. Walt and I are sorry to miss her farewell. We are out of town.
Our hearts are broken. Mary Ellen was so valiant in her battle and tried every option the Doctors gave her to the very end! She has a very special spot in our hearts from being a bridesmaid in our wedding (1963) to many hours playing cards while Rich was away in the service and most importantly, for us, being the best Godmother you could ask for to our firstborn Christine. Can’t help but think Mary Ellen will still be looking out for her! Hold on to all the wonderful memories.
Our deep and sincere sympathy
to each of you. 🙏❣️🙏
Rich, Kelli and Angie – you know I’m heartbroken that I lost my dear friend. She was the Ethel to my Lucy, and I was the Thelma to her Louise. We didn’t just go out and have fun, we had antics.
Thank you for letting me be part of your family and allowing me so much precious time with Mary, right to the very end.
I’ll miss her, but I know Heaven gained an Angel the day she left us and she will be watching over her beautiful family from above. Try to find solace knowing she was welcomed into His kingdom by the open arms of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Love
Miss Pat ❤️
Words cannot express how sad I am for Mary’s passing even though our journeys are short ones. She had such an impact on my life with her humor, sarcasm, tell it like it is personality as well as her generosity of spirit. I met her in 1971 when I started working at the FED and she was the matriarch of the department but never took herself too seriously. I’ll never forget the time all of us young girls thought we were too fat (wish I had that body now!) so Mary suggested we take garlic pills as she read somewhere this would help with weight loss. The only thing it did was stink up the entire department. We had to stop taking them as no one could stand the smell of us! That’s just one of the silly memories.
Happy hours usually had Mary and Rich dancing on the dance floor along with much laughter the next day about what happened the night before.
We celebrated births, deaths, weddings, divorces, shopping throughout our years together. And when us gals began to retire (some still worked, some didn’t), we met for lunch regularly (the lunch ladies) and shared even more stories and laughter.
Our dear Mary Perry, secretary as she commonly called herself fought a difficult battle and came out shining throughout. I shall miss her terribly.
Even after her passing, she had an affect on me as it was exactly a week after she passed that I was on the way to kohl’s to make a return and got pulled over for making a rolling stop thru a stop sign. When the policewoman went back to her car, I started crying thinking about Mary and that it had been a week- policewoman came back and found me ugly crying so gave me a warning and then tried to console me. Mary was my angel that day.
Thanks for all the memories.
I truly love Mary, she was so kind, generous and we had lots of laughs together. Praying for everyone who loves her!
Please accept my deepest sympathy Rich, and your family . It has been many years since I saw Mary ,but when I transferred to Bayless she was one of the group that showed me the way ! She was always so nice ! Love and prayers🙏❤️