Obituaries

Mary J. Madonna, 93

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

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WE WERE SADDENED TO HEAR OF THE PASSING OF MARY. PLEASE ACCEPT OUR CONDOLENCES
TO ELIZABETH, MARY JANE AND ALL THE FAMILY. WE ARE OUT OF TOWN BUT OUR PRAYERS
AND THOUGHTS WILL BE WITH YOU ALL.
LOVE
SAM AND JOAN FULGINITI

Mary Jane –

I was sorry to hear about your mother’s death, and just wanted to send you my condolences. My sincerest sympathies to you and your family.

Ann Lipshutz

Mary Jane, Toni, Beth, Tony & Patrick,

I wanted to let all of you know that I am so sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful person and I am grateful to have been able to have known her. I loved going to her house in the summer time with Beth and will never forget how sweet she was. I know how very much she meant to all of you. May you take comfort in knowing a true angel is watching over you.

Much love always,
Kara LeCalsey McNamee

Dear Elizabeth & family,

I am so sorry for the loss of your mother and grandmother.  May you find comfort in remembering all the great times you had together as a family.  What a joy to have had all the years together that Mary’s long life gave you.

Praying that God’s peace and comfort will surround you all,
Gwen Bledsoe

Mary Jane and Family,
We want to express our sympathy for the loss of your mother.  Take comfort in and hold on to all of the beautiful memories we are sure you have of her.  Please know that we are thinking of you at this time of sorrow. 

Love,
Julie, Philip & Benjamin

Please accept my sincere sympathy for the loss of your dear mother.  I am so thankful she was surrounded by her loving family.  It is always sad to see the passing of the matriarch of a family, but especially this family.  Aunt Mary was extraordinary…so incredibly sharp! What a gift she was in her family’s life.  I hope her great grandchildren will be able to remember her.
I will see you for her services on Saturday.
Love, Pat Donnelly   Patrick sends his own private condolences as well!

Dear Elizabeth & family,

Please know that you are in my thoughts. The obituary was lovely; I’ve never met Mary but felt like I did after reading it.

In sincere sympathy,
Nadine Leaman

From across the ocean our thoughts go to you dearest family, cousins, friends. The surrounding sorrow is as big as the love she provided all of us with.
The generosity and love you have offered will be with me always, thank you aunt Mary.
MaryJane and Elysabeth, Frank and Victor, Toni and Monica, Chip and Beth, Patrick and Abbey, the beloved persons leave us but their memory accompanies us
for ever. Love to you all
Rosanna and Dominique

Dear Toni and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. May your memories be a source of comfort and solace.
Sincerely,
Jean (Weisbecker) Hess

Dear Mary Jane, Elizabeth and family,  
My sincere sympathy to all of you.  I dearly loved Mary and enjoyed when I visited her and later saw her at Mary Jane’s shop.  She was so loving and kind and interesting to talk to.  She loved her family and home and God. She was also witty and fun to be with. I understand your sorrow because my mother and father are deceased also. She is at peace and happy now with loved one in heaven.   Sincerely,
Sally Malik

Mary Jane, I remember your mother from my time as a classmate of yours at Sacred Heart Academy. I visited your home and even though it was the early 50’s and you and I were quite young, I remember the kindness, beauty and grace of your mother. I also remember the small playhouse in your backyard.  I was quite impressed with it!  You were blessed to have had your mother for many wonderful years. You and your family have a lifetime of happy memories.
My heartfelt condolences.
Vicki Grubb Eichelberger

"Every so often a spring is born into the winter of our aloneness when we find someone and even hold them for a closer look, this is friendship."
What a blessing it was for me to have been your mother’s friend!  I am sorry for your loss, MaryJane and Elizabeth.  Take comfort in knowing that she was loved beyond measure, and that she is enjoying her heavenly home.
She is definitely NOT disappointed!

Love, 
Carol

Dear Elizabeth and Family,
Our sincere regrets for the loss of your Mother. May you remember many happy memories from her.

Dr.and Mrs Bertram L Johnson (Benjamin)

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