Mary A. Stiglianese

Mary Ann Stiglianese, 92, of Cumming, Georgia, passed away peacefully on March 10, 2026, at Towne Club Windermere.

Mary was born on March 23, 1933, in Chicago, Illinois. She lived a full and vibrant life centered around family, friends, and the simple joys that made every gathering special.

She was married to her beloved husband, Joseph Stiglianese, and together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and strong family traditions.

Mary was the proud mother of Kathleen, Robbie, and Tommy, and was preceded in death by her daughter, Nancy. She was a cherished grandmother to Edward John, Megan, Eric, Alex, Matthew, Kelsey, and Kathryn, and was also blessed with ten great-grandchildren, who brought her tremendous joy.

Mary was loved by many and had a personality that filled every room. She was affectionately known as the “Queen of the Pool.” In 1993 she famously waged a determined battle with the board of directors to keep the pool heated to a perfect 86 degrees—and she won. Many swimmers have enjoyed that warm water ever since. Thank you, Mary.

She was also an avid gardener who took great pride in creating beauty wherever she lived. With the help of friends and family, she planted buckets of colorful blooms around the trees, around the pool, and throughout the yard. Walking out the back door often felt like stepping into a garden.

Mary and her family shared many happy times at their Florida home, where life revolved around golfing, dancing, and the daily 4 p.m. cocktails by the pool. Evenings often ended around the dining room table with great conversation—and the occasional spirited argument, but as Mary would say, “Hey, we’re Italian.”

Her warmth, strength, humor, and love for life will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

A visitation will be held Wednesday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Countryside Funeral Home, 95 S. Gilbert Street, South Elgin, Illinois 60177.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday morning at 10:30 a.m. at St. Patrick Parish, 400 Cedar Street, Saint Charles, Illinois 60174.

Interment will follow at St. Michael the Archangel Cemetery, 1185 W. Algonquin Road, Palatine, Illinois

In honor of Mary, keep the water warm, the flowers blooming, and the cocktails ready at 4.