Mary J. Tallarico Madonna, 93, of Lancaster passed peacefully after a brief illness on Tuesday morning, January 25, 2011, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Lancaster in 1917 into a meager upbringing, Mary learned at a young age the value in extending a helping hand to others. In her adult life, she defined herself by caring for her loved ones. She had a large Italian family and opened up her home to countless unofficial "family" members; Sunday spaghetti dinners were always a family favorite.

Mary and her husband, Anthony "Ralph" Madonna, were living examples of the American dream. They built a home and a life from Twin Arc Welding, the family welding business they founded and operated from 1945 to 1978. Together, they handled the demands of a small business-he did the welding, she ran the books and kept his belly full.

In her social life, Mary enjoyed the blackjack card club she formed with her sister, Rose Carano, and friends Rose LaMonaca and Ruthie Lucidonio-they called themselves "The Four Roses." Mary was also a longtime member of the Italian American Citizens Club, the Lancaster Italian Cultural Society, and St. Anthony Senior Citizens Club.

Mary was a devout Catholic and lifelong member of Saint Anthony of Padua church in Lancaster. She took great pride in her volunteer work, baking desserts for funeral receptions and other church functions, and she was widely loved by many members of the congregation.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Anthony "Ralph" Madonna; a son, Anthony Frank; a sister, Rose Carano; and two brothers, John and Guitano Tallarico. She is survived by two daughters, Elizabeth Madonna and Mary Jane M. Corby, wife of Charles B. Corby; four nephews, Victor and Frank Carano and John and Michael Tallarico; three grandchildren, Tony Kirchner, husband of Monica Frailey Kirchner, Beth Kappesser, wife of Chip Kappesser, and Patrick Kirchner, husband of Abby Witman Kirchner; and five great grandchildren, Kylie, Sydney and Maya Kirchner and Emmett and Paisley Kappesser.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday at 11:00 AM at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 501 E. Orange St., Lancaster, PA with Rev. Daniel Mitzel as Celebrant.  Viewing will be held at Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory, 414 E. King St., Lancaster, PA 17602 on Friday evening from 7 until 9 PM. The Holy Rosary will be recited at 8:30 PM. Interment will be in St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Mary's name to St. Anthony of Padua church in Lancaster.  To send an online condolence, please visit SnyderFuneralHome.com.  Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory 717-393-9661