Mary A. Kalika (91) of Staunton

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Published on April 1 2022 10:34 am

Mary A Kalika passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 31st, 2022, at St. Francis Hospital in Litchfield, IL at the age of 91.

Mary was born March 1st, 1931, in Livingston, IL the daughter of Anton and Catherine (Spagnola) Pellizzaro. She married the love of her life, Frank Kalika on October 13th, 1951, and they settled in Staunton, IL where she was a lifelong resident.

Mary enjoyed gambling, especially in Las Vegas, flower gardening, shopping, and traveling. During her life she visited over 40 countries, mostly in her 70s and 80s, with her favorite travel partners, her daughter and granddaughter. Mary’s honorable career as an LPN Nurse spanned 39 years. She was noted for her white nurse’s uniform and her starched nurse’s hat. Many remember her for the exceptional care she provided her patients and their family members. In her final days she was well taken care of by the wonderful nurses and doctors of St. Francis Hospital, some of whom were her friends and colleagues.

Mary is survived by her daughter Linda Kay Kalika of Effingham, IL; her granddaughter Allison Niendiek and significant other Michael Cook of Hugo, MN; nephew Dr. Gary Pellizzaro and wife Debbie of Ponte Verda, FL; niece Judy Yarnik of Staunton, IL.

She was preceded in death by Frank Kalika (May 15, 1997), her parents Anton and Catherine Pellizzaro, siblings Irma Bacca Zupan, O’nelio Pellizzaro, and Rico Pellizzaro, brother and sister-in-law Edward and Ann Eller and sister-in-law Mary L Kalika.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday April 3rd, 2022, at Williamson Funeral Home in Staunton, IL. Visitation from 2 to 4PM and a memorial service beginning at 4PM with Father Michael Meinhart officiating. Burial following at Staunton Memorial Park Cemetery. There will be a celebration of life at R & B’s Family Restaurant immediately following the burial for family and friends.

Memorials may be made to Staunton Area Ambulance Service: 401 N Ash St., Staunton, IL 62088. Or Staunton Fire Department: 215 S Wood St., Staunton, IL 62088 or donor’s choice.