Mary Lanza

Mary G. Pumilia Lanza passed away peacefully on May 27, 2012 surrounded by her loving family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, aunt and friend. Born November 29, 1921 she was preceded in death by her husbands, Angelo Pumilia and Vincent Lanza; parents, Grace and Michael Giardina; sisters Teresa Giardina Galleno and Nancy Giardina; and brothers John, Michael, Vincent and Joseph Giardina. She is survived by her children, Rosemary Aspray Gustin (George), Joseph Pumilia, and Angela Naccari (Randall), grandchildren Tony Middleton (Nora), Nick Pumilia, Sisley Pumilia, and Andrea Naccari and step-grandchildren, George Gustin, Robert Gustin and Adrienne Randolph, and many nieces and nephews. For over 35 years Mary taught hundreds of children in kindergarten at St. Anthony and St. Joseph Catholic Schools. She was a remarkable and gifted teacher, and had a wonderful way with children and their parents. Wherever Mary went she was very often greeted with hugs and kisses by her former students or their parents, who fondly remembered her. These little reunions always made Mary feel very happy and blessed. Mary was a wonderful cook, and an avid reader. She enjoyed needlework and raising flowers, especially her African Violets. On Saturdays in football season it was always fun to hear Mary answer the phone with a big Roll Tide! A devout Catholic, Mary was a member of Prince of Peace parish and was professed in the order of the lay Carmelites. Mary’s family extends their sincere appreciation to the entire staff of The Lodge at The Oaks on Parkwood for their care in making the past eighteen months of Mary’s life a joyful experience. Special thanks also are extended to her caregivers, Frances Tait, Michelle Fields, Annie Johnson, Teresa Hervey, Leitha Cheatam and the nurses and staff of Gentiva Hospice. The family will receive guests to celebrate Mary’s life on Wednesday, May 30, 2012 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Hoover. A memorial Mass will be held at the church on Thursday, May 31, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions in Mary’s memory be made to Prince of Peace Catholic School Kindergarten, 4600 Moss Creek Blvd., Hoover, AL 35226.