Mary Ann (Grotti) Malchioni

Mary Ann Malchioni, age 102, of Highwood, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Monday evening, November 25, 2024, in Evansville, Indiana. Born on August 28, 1922, in Pine Ridge, Indiana, she was the daughter of Joseph and Antoinette (Contri) Grotti. Mary’s early years were spent in the rural town of Pine Ridge, but at the age of 14, her family moved to Highwood, where she would call home for much of her life.

Mary was a proud graduate of Highland Park High School. It was in Highwood, where she would meet her future husband, Reno Malchioni. Their love story began in 1941 when Reno, shortly after enlisting in the U.S. Air Force during World War II, met Mary at the Highwood Theater. Their connection was immediate, and they married on November 29, 1941, at St. James Church in Highwood, beginning a marriage that would span 65 years. Together, Mary and Reno created a beautiful life filled with love, devotion, and family. Reno passed away on December 4, 2006.

Mary was a member of St. James Church in Highwood and the Sacred Heart Guild of St. James, where she forged lasting friendships.

Mary’s family was the heart of her life. She was the beloved mother of two daughters, Marcia Grimm of Highwood, and the late Sharon (Dan) Castellani of Schaumburg. She was also the proud mother of Michael Malchioni, M.D., of Evansville, Indiana. Mary’s legacy lives on in her seven grandchildren: Scott (Lisa) Grimm of Camas, Washington; Leanne (Eric) Hauseman of Gypsum, Colorado; Christyn Castellani of Schaumburg; Michelle Castellani-Walker of Winchester, Kentucky; and Alex, Benjamin, and Adam Malchioni of Evansville, Indiana. Her 8 great-grandchildren—Ryan, Sean and Zachary Grimm; Lauren and Dylan Hauseman; Emily and Dylan Walker and Kane Malchioni—brought her immeasurable joy, and she cherished each moment spent with them. Mary is also survived by many nieces and nephews, as well as a wide circle of dear friends, all of whom remember her for her warm spirit and deep love for her family.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Reno, and her daughter, Sharon. She was also predeceased by her siblings: Domenic (Betty) Grotti, Raymond (Lena) Grotti, Renato (Theresa) Grotti, and Yolanda (Ray) Tamarri, all of whom held a special place in her heart.

Mary lived a long, fulfilling life marked by resilience, kindness, and devotion to her loved ones. She witnessed a century of change but remained grounded in her values of faith, family, and community. She will be remembered for her loving presence, her generosity of heart, and her enduring legacy as a mother, grandmother, and friend.

Funeral services will be private. Mary will be entombed beside her beloved husband, Reno, at Ascension Cemetery in Libertyville, Illinois, where she will rest in eternal peace.

Mary’s family would like to thank all who have shared in her life and love. She will be greatly missed but forever cherished in the hearts of those who knew her.

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