Mary J. Piombo, age 86, a resident of Wheaton, died at home, surrounded by her family on Saturday, July 5, 2014. She was born September 19, 1927 in Chicago.

Mary grew up in Chicago and graduated from St. Mary's High School. She earned an Associates Degree and worked as a secretary for a professor at IIT. While traveling in Rome, Mary met a friendly soldier, Mario Piombo, with whom she developed a friendship. They were married one year later on September 29, 1960 in Italy. They raised three daughters in Chicago and moved to Wheaton in 1989.

She was actively involved in her daughters education. She loved to cook and bake and was known to share her cooking with her friends and family. Traveling as a couple and with extended family was a favorite activity.

She is survived by her husband, Mario Piombo, three daughters, Loretta (Thomas) Benton of Aurora, Denise (Kevin Sullivan) Piombo of North Aurora, and Carla (Jack) Elder of Aurora, three grandchildren, Luke, Loretta and Jake Elder, and her nephew and nieces.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Samuel and Jeanette Raphael, and four siblings, Fred, Margaret, Charles and George.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 9, from 3 to 9 p.m. at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St. in Wheaton, where prayers will be held on Thursday at 9:30 a.m. A mass will follow at 10:00 a.m. at St. Michael Catholic Church, West St and Illinois St., Wheaton. Interment will follow at Assumption Cemetery.

Memorial gifts may be directed to St. Jude Children's Hospital.

Family and friends may sign a guest book at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.