Mary E. DANDINO

August 4, 1923 - December 28, 2020

Mary E. (Mutzi) Dandino (born August 4, 1923) passed peacefully in her sleep on December 28, 2020 after 97 years as the Sunshine of so many family (sons Dan {Shirley, deceased} and Mike {Jeannie}, five grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins) and friends (especially Bill Kiske, deceased, and Rose Ponticello, deceased, and their families). She was a joy to all she greeted and met. Mary was the matriarch of both the Dandino family and her Marchese family. At the Pearly Gates, Mary joins her beloved husband Dan, as well as his parents Ben and Sis and her parents Joe Kudirka and Margaret (Marchese) Smith. Mary will once again hug her beloved daughter in law Shirley Ann Dandino. Many family members and long-time friends will welcome her to heaven. Mary had a life well-lived. Her personal code of behavior was "Bread cast upon the water shall return a hundred-fold." She served as the “Hostess with the Mostest” at Ponticello's Goodfellow and Natural Bridge restaurants and at Halls Ferry Inn in North County. She worked at the Small Arms Ammunition plant during WWII. Her recollections of 90 plus years of people, places, and events was just a small taste of her life. Mary’s accomplishments were not the result of heralded events, but rather came from daily living and just. being herself. More importantly, she truly touched every person she came across. There was little doubt that they went on their way a little better for meeting and knowing her. “Mutzi” was her childhood nickname. When her nieces asked where that name came from, she said, “That’s my movie star name, because you are whatever you want to be.” Mary loved to entertain and feed people. She had a simple formula for hospitality. The first visit, you’re company. The next visit you’re considered family, so help yourself to the food in the “ice box” and grab a towel to wash dishes. She touched so many lives for so many years and was an inspiration and a strength for the family. She was the life of the party. The excitement did not begin until Mary Dandino came in. Mary enjoyed her many memories, and tributes, and basked in the love of her friends and family. She believed that the best things said are said simply and directly. “Mom, we love you from the depths of our hearts. Thank you for the finest and greatest gift one can receive — life. We are a tribute to your life well lived. God bless you.” The family appreciates all your expressions of condolences. No funeral or burial ceremony will be held. A memorial Mass to celebrate Mary's life will be scheduled at a later date at All Saints in St. Peters. No flowers please, but instead, donations to your favorite charity in her honor are suggested. She will be interned with her husband Dan at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. An appropriate honor of Mary would be to call your mother. Call her today.