Mary Louise Gaziano passed away peacefully in her sleep on August 23, 2023. She was born in Rockford, Illinois, on July 1, 1938, to Frank and Theresa (Giorgi) DeCastris and married the late Raymond P. Gaziano in 1959. Mary Louise was proud of her 52-year marriage to her sweetheart Raymond and their mutual accomplishment of raising a loving, caring, and accomplished family. She was a devoted mother to J.F. (Joseph Frank) Gaziano and Tresa Anne Gaziano Box, the best Nonni to Zachary Ray Gaziano, loving mother-in-law to Nancy (Sciame) Gaziano and Kenneth W. Box, Lieutenant Commander Ret., and a loyal sister to her beloved brother Frank (Chico) and sister-in-law Joanne DeCastris.

Mary Louise attended Bishop Muldoon High, and Edgewood and Rockford Colleges. She worked in the ophthalmology office of Dr. Chester Roe and later for Hurst Graphics. In retirement, Mary Louise and Ray enjoyed their many winters in Florida, especially in 2005 when she made her one and only hole-in-one at Fort Walton Beach. Mary Louise loved music and playing her childhood piano, golfing with the Sinnissippi Birdies & Bogies and the Ingersoll Nine Hole leagues, gardening, interior decorating, getting together with former high school friends for a monthly brunch, playing cards and board games, bocce nights, and dancing as often as possible.

Throughout her life, Mary Louise wore many hats as a school, hospital, and church volunteer. She was a lifelong member of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church and sang in the Rockford Diocesan Choir. She enjoyed membership in Caritas, the Catholic Women's League, Presence St. Anne Auxiliary, and the parish Altar and Rosary Society.

Mary Louise was predeceased by her parents and husband Raymond, many beloved aunts, uncles, in-laws, and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Memorial Mass at 11:00 a.m. Monday, August 28, in Saint Anthony of Padua Church, 1010 Ferguson Street. Father Carl Beekman officiating. Visitation from 9:30 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. Monday in the church. In lieu of flowers, Mary Louise would appreciate your donation to the Northern Illinois Food Bank.

Northern Illinois Food Bank