Mary Catherine (Stafilarakis) Vear, 69, lovingly known as Mary Kay, Mom, Nona and Auntie, returned to her Heavenly home surrounded by her loving, devoted family in the early morning of December 12, 2022.
Those who were fortunate to know our Mary knew of her courage, charm, strength, and sheer determination as she took on Multiple Sclerosis with style and grace.
Mary’s love of her life and devoted husband Robert Wayne Vear (Bob) were committed partners in life, celebrating 49 years of marriage.
Along with Bob, she will be dearly missed by her beloved daughters, Christina Walter & Cara LeMay, cherished grandchildren, Jayden Walter, Matthew & Alivia LeMay, and furry grands Tony & Luna.
Mary also leaves her brothers, John (Donna), James (Peggy) and Paul Stafilarakis, dear aunt, Olga Mazzarino, loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and many close friends. She was predeceased by her cherished parents, John & Carmel (Mazzarino) Stafilarakis.
Mary loved her nuclear & extended family, and dear friends. The family home was a hub for impromptu dinners, and parties with music, dancing & singing lead by her cousins, an abundance of laughter and delicious Italian food cooked by Mary; with ingredients grown in her phenomenal garden. She excelled at breads, mile high apple pies, cakes, fried chicken, all Italian traditional foods. By her side, as “sous” chefs, her children, nieces, nephews & friends learned the art of Italian cuisine and the love & devotion of family.
These cherished recipes & love of family will grace the tables of her loved ones, while honoring her memory every day forward.
She and her cousin April Mazzarino Willett owned and operated Nona’s Cookie Basket in Hampden, MA with her now late uncle, Tony Mazzarino as Quality Control. Nona’s was known for their nationally distributed handmade Italian cookies fashioned in baskets, and lavish wedding cakes.
Mary’s family wishes to extend their gratitude and love to Carmen Rivera, a cherished friend & devoted personal caregiver to Mary these past ten years. You brightened her day, and ours.
Mary’s wake will be Sunday, December 18, from 1-3 p.m. at Tazzini Funeral Home, 22 Locust Street in Springfield. Funeral services will begin Monday, 9 a.m. at Tazzini Funeral Home, proceeding to her 10 a.m. Liturgy of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Springfield. Burial will follow at St. Michael’s Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to the National Muscular Sclerosis Society, www.NationalMSSociety.org/Donate.
Please visit www.TazziniFuneralHome.com for condolences.