Mary DePasquale

Mary DePasquale

Hiawatha

Mary J. DePasquale, 104, formerly of Sterling, IL died Saturday, November 9, 2024 surrounded in love by her family at the Hiawatha Care Center in Hiawatha, IA.

She was born on October 3, 1920 in Dixon, IL the daughter of Charles and Stella (Panfil) Popp. She married Emilio “Duke” DePasquale on June 14, 1941 in Dixon, IL. He died May 2, 1999. Mary was employed by the Secretary of State’s office in Sterling as a driver license examiner prior to retirement. She was member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Sterling and had been active in the community with memberships at the former Elks Club, Altar & Rosary, and the Sterling Moose. She was one of the original “Golden Girls” at the Moose.

Mary loved to have holidays at her home with her family, having hosted her last one at age 98. Traditions were important to her to pass on to her children and grandchildren. Throughout the years, she welcomed anyone who stopped to see her with an open door. Family, friends, their children and neighbors ate many meals at Mary’s home. Time was always spent around the kitchen table, too, where she’d put a pot of coffee on and grab some of her well known biscotti’s. Many games of 31 were played there.

Survivors include her daughters: Emilie (Joseph) Deady of Washington, DC, and Donna (Phil) Garland of Cedar Rapids; her son Tom (Mary) DePasquale of Sterling; and three grandchildren: Tom (Izzy) Garland and Nick Garland both of Cedar Rapids; Chelsea DePasquale of Davenport.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Charles J. Popp and sister, Elizabeth Magnuson.

Visitation will be held on Friday, November 15, 2024 from 8:30 – 10 AM at the McDonald Funeral Home, 505 1st Avenue in Sterling, IL. Celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:30 AM in St. Mary Catholic Church. Burial will conclude at Calvary Cemetery.

Memorials may be given in her memory to St. Mary Grade School and to Newman Central Catholic High School.

The family would like to thank Dr. Mary Anne Nelson and the staff at Hiawatha Care Center for their love and care during her last years.