Mary Beatrice Pellitteri

Mary Beatrice Pellitteri, age 93, of Tamarac, Florida and Naperville, Illinois, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2026. She was born on September 30, 1932, in Bagheria, Sicily, to Grace and Matthew Pellitteri.

At the age of 17, Mary immigrated to the United States with her father, Matthew, traveling by ship from Sicily. She grew up in Silver Creek, New York, and became a proud citizen of the United States in 1954 at the age of 24.

After leaving Silver Creek, Mary moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida following her marriage in 1959, she welcomed her daughter, Maria in 1960, with her former husband, Frank J. Gagliano.

Mary dedicated much of her life to caring for others through her work and her home. She worked in the food service industry as a head cook at a local high school and earlier in life crafted draperies and clothing with exceptional skill. Later, she discovered a talent and passion for floral design, where her creativity and attention to detail truly flourished.

Mary will be remembered most for her deep faith, unwavering devotion to family, and extraordinary Sicilian cooking. Her meals brought people together and created lasting memories for everyone fortunate enough to gather at her table. She also found joy in her sewing, loved repairing her house when she could by herself, gardening and caring for those she loved.

In 2017, after Hurricane Irma damaged her home, Mary moved to Naperville, Illinois to live with her daughter, Maria and husband Bob. In 2020, Mary was transferred to Tabor Hill Nursing with Dementia. Mary loved playing bingo and all the holiday and musical shows and she remained surrounded by family and love until her passing.

Mary is survived by her daughter, Maria, and son-in-law, Bob O’Connor, of Naperville, Illinois; her granddaughter, Lia Murray, and husband, Conner Murray; her grandson, Declan; and her granddaughter, Shae O’Connor, all of Colorado. She is also survived by her sister, Rosalie, and her brothers, Sal and Angelo.

A Catholic Mass will be held on Friday, May 22, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at St. Anthony Catholic Church, located at 901 NE 2nd Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Burial will follow at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery, located at 1500 South State Road 7, North Lauderdale, Florida.

Flowers may be sent to Kraeer-Fairchild Funeral Home no later than May 21, 2026.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mary’s memory to:• Tabor Hills Nursing Home Donations• Angel’s Grace Hospice (select “Charity” and then “Donate”)