Mary A. Ferraro, 74, of Kenosha, WI, passed away unexpectedly at her home on Tuesday, March 4, 2025.
Born on December 3, 1950, in the city of Venarotta near her parent’s towns of Montemonaco and Montefortino a Province of Ascoli Piceno, in the Marche region of Italy. She was the daughter of the late Nicola and Giannina (Censori) Leonardi. Mary came to Kenosha from Italy in 1958.
On September 4, 1971, she married the love of her life Tony Ferraro in Kenosha, WI. He preceded her in death on June 23, 2004.
Mary was a lifelong member of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary of Pompeii Catholic Church and graduated from St. Joseph’s High School in Kenosha. She worked for Cardinali’s Bakery as a young girl and worked at various Kenosha Unified Schools as a teacher’s assistant, including Bose and Brass Elementary.
Mary was a proud parent, an adoring grandmother, loving aunt, godmother and dear friend to many. She was an incredible chef, and her cooking skills were legendary. Her special ingredient was cooking with the utmost love and care so it could be enjoyed together with her beloved family and grandchildren. Her happiest moments were spent with her grandchildren and watching them grow up.
She is survived by her two loving children, Louie (Julie) Ferraro and Flora (Mark) Ward both of Kenosha, WI; five grandchildren, Tony, Maria and Gina Ferraro and Felicity and Vincent Ward; sisters Josephine (Rick) Tucker and Theresa (Ron) Allen. Aunts and uncles in Italy, Pietro (Ginetta) Censori and Giovanni (Maria Lisa) Censori. She is further survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
Mary was preceded in death by her husband Tony, her parents, brother Joseph A. Leonardi and in-laws Gloria and Luigi DeBartolo and Frances and Silvio Bosco.
Prayers will be held from Proko Funeral Home on Monday, March 10, 2025, at 11:45 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, March 10, 2025, at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary of Pompeii at 12:30 p.m. Entombment at All Saints Mausoleum will immediately follow. A visitation will be held at Proko Funeral Home on Sunday, March 9, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.
