Staunton Star - Times - Published in the Interest of the Staunton Community for Over 143 Years

Mary A. Kalika, 91, died peacefully on March 31, 2022, at St. Francis Hospital in Litchfield. Mary was born March 1, 1931, in Livingston, the daughter of Anton and Catherine (Spagnola) Pellizzaro. She married the love of her life, Frank Kalika, on Oct. 13, 1951, and they settled in Staunton where she was a lifelong resident.

Mary enjoyed gambling, especially in Las Vegas, flower gardening, shopping, and traveling. During her life she visited over 40 countries, mostly in her 70s and 80s, with her favorite travel partners, her daughter and granddaughter.

Mary's honorable career as an LPN nurse spanned 39 years. She was noted for her white nurse's uniform and her starched nurse's hat. Many remember her for the exceptional care she provided her patients and their family members. In her final days she was well taken care of by the wonderful nurses and doctors of St. Francis hospital, some of whom were her friends and colleagues.

Mary is survived by her daughter, Linda Kay Kalika of Effingham; her granddaughter, Allison Niendiek and significant other Michael Cook of Hugo, Minn.; nephew, Dr. Gary (Debbie) Pellizzaro of Ponte Verda, Fla.; and niece, Judy Yarnik of Staunton. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Frank Kalika, on May 15, 1997; siblings, Irma Bacca Zupan, O'nelio Pellizzaro, and Rico Pellizzaro; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Edward and Ann Eller, and sister-in-law, Mary L. Kalika.

A memorial service was held on Sunday, April 3, at Williamson Funeral Home in Staunton with Father Michael Mienhart officiating. Burial was at Staunton Memorial Park Cemetery. There will be a celebration of life at R&B's Family Restaurant immediately following the burial for family and friends.

Memorials may be made to Staunton Area Ambulance Service at 401 N. Ash St., Staunton, IL 62088 or to Staunton Fire Department at 215 S. Wood St., Staunton, IL 62088, or donor's choice.