Mary Stobbs (nee DeCicco) passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 25, 2021. She was born on December 4, 1935 in Washington, DC, to Joseph and Virginia (nee Tracey) DeCicco. Mary attended elementary and high school at St. Cecilia and graduated from Marjorie Webster College, where she was known for her superior bridge playing skills. She graduated in merchandising. After graduating, Mary was hired by AT&T as an account representative. It was at this time that she met and married the love of her life, John Dale Stobbs, who preceded her in death.
After the wedding, Mary and Dale moved to Alton, Illinois, where Mary’s humor, compassion, courage, grace and love for her family will always be remembered. Those fortunate enough to call Mary a friend knew of her devotion to her family, her resilient inner strength and, above all, her eternal loyalty to those she liked. She was active in the lives of her seven children and fifteen grandchildren, participating in all major events and being her greatest supporter at all times. Mary loved to tinker in the garden, cook her family’s favorite meals, which were immortalized in her cookbook, and also enjoyed art and listening to live music, especially when the piano was playing. Above all, the only thing Mary valued most was being a mother, and in that respect she was incomparable. We were lucky to have it to guide us in life, and we will embrace the memories we have built together for the rest of our lives. Until the last breath, she was the lady par excellence who loved and lived life to the fullest, and although we will miss her more than words can say, we are comforted to know that she is at home and at peace with God and her beloved Dale.
Mary left her seven children, Tracey Anne Riordan (the late Gerard) from Wildwood, Missouri, Monica Stobbs from Charleston, South Carolina, who lovingly cared for her at the end of her life, Elizabeth Stobbs from Chicago, Illinois, John Dale Stobbs, II (Rosario) from Alton, Illinois, Mary Jennifer Margarida from Edwardsville, Illinois, Stephen Stobbs (Catherine) from Godfrey, Illinois, and Kathryn Santellano (Don) from St. Charles, Missouri. Her fifteen grandchildren, Ignacio Margarida (Shelbi), Patrick Riordan, Mae Riordan, Emma Riordan, John Dale Stobbs, III, Madeleine Stobbs, Agustin Margarida, Lorena Stobbs, Grace Stobbs, Matthew Santellano, Isabel Margarida, Sophia Stobbs, Caroline Stobbs, Rosie Santellano and Stephen Stobbs Jr. survive it too, as do two sisters, Claire Anne Cavey of Rockville, Maryland and Jude Himmelberg of Silver Spring, Maryland, and many nieces and nephews.
A mass celebrating Mary’s life will be held at the Catholic Church of Santa Maria in Alton, Illinois, on Monday, March 1, 2021 at 10:00 am. There will be a virtual live broadcast of the mass that is available on the Church’s website (www.stmarysalton.com) to accommodate COVID restrictions. In the spring, a memorial will be held to celebrate Mary even more and to thank her for her life. Gent Funeral Home in Alton is in charge of preparations. Online guestbook and information can be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com.