It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mary Alice Friganza, affectionately known as “Mare Mare”, on June 24, 2026, at the age of 87. Born on October 15, 1938, in Saint Louis, Missouri, Mary Alice was a beacon of unconditional love and unwavering humor throughout her life.
Mary Alice was the cherished daughter of the late Charles and Wilma Friganza. She is predeceased by her parents and her brothers Daniel, James, and Thomas, as well as her sister-in-laws, JoAnn and Georgia Friganza. Her legacy of love and family continues through her surviving brother John(JoAnn) Friganza and his children, Kimberly(Ron) Downs and Jon Paul(Heather)Friganza as well as Daniel’s daughter, Leslie Eldred (Mike). Mary was adored and loved by her great nephews Joshua Gerwel and Bryan Gerwel(Kim’s boys) along with her great nephew Loki Eldred, and great nieces Arianna and Kayla Eldred any many other family members and close friends. She will be dearly missed by all.
After graduating from Notre Dame High School in 1956, Mary Alice embarked on a career that would see her touch many lives. She began her professional journey at KTVI Channel 2 in their sales department, eventually finding her calling in Human Resources at The Frick Company. Her colleagues at The Frick Company were not just coworkers but lifelong friends, and she often recounted stories filled with fondness and laughter. Mary Alice retired in 2005, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and camaraderie.
Mare was renowned for her smile and her sense of humor. She possessed an extraordinary ability to convey the truth with grace and love, making her a treasured confidante to many. She loved to read, watch football(Green Bay Packers), watch Chicago Fire, have lunch with friends and cousins, and sleep!
A celebration of Mary Alice’s life will be held on July 10, 2026, at 10:00a.m. at Kutis Funeral Home, located at 5255 Lemay Ferry Road, Saint Louis, MO 63129. Immediately following the service at 11:00am follow to Resurrection Cemetery at 6901 McKenzie Road, Saint Louis, MO 63123. Friends and family are invited to gather in remembrance of her life.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Mary Alice’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, an organization close to her heart. Having bravely battled lymphoma and leukemia in her later years, Mary Alice was a great supporter of St. Jude’s mission to find cures for childhood diseases. Contributions can be made through the following link: [St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Donations](https://www.pledge.to/organizations/62-0646012/st-jude-childrens-research-hospital).
Mary Alice Friganza will be remembered for her boundless love, her laughter, and her unwavering dedication to her family and friends. Her spirit will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her. As we bid farewell to our dear Mare, we hold onto the memories and the love she so generously shared with us all.
My dear cousin loved her so much I will remember all the good times that we had together
She was a bridesmaid at my wedding
Not only a cousin but a friend
Rest in peace
Oh Mary, I knew when we met almost 70 years ago that we would be friends. And we were. Everyone should have a friend like Mary Alice. She was funny, sarcastic, quick-witted and full of love. She will be missed by many folks. The Lunch Bunch will not be the same without you but we will all see you in a second. Hold a place for me. Carolyn Schillinger Potter
Rest in piece Mary Alice. You were a treasure on earth. May God bless you with a special place in heaven. Love and miss you already.
Mary Alice was so funny – I would take my younger sisters shopping and she taught them how to discuss the people we saw not sure it was the correct way for little girls I always enjoyed talking and listening to her views God bless her