Mary Ciarloni Bistolfi's Obituary
Mary Ciarloni Bistolfi, 84, of Memphis, passed away peacefully at Methodist Hospice Residence surrounded by her family on July 4, 2016 after a year-long battle with lung cancer. Mary, the youngest of 5 children born to the late Robert and Della Ciarloni, was born in Clarksdale, MS and moved with her family to Cordova, TN as a young child. After graduating from Germantown High School, she worked at the Peabody Hotel until she married Johnny Bistolfi, her husband of 48 years who predeceased her in 2001. After raising her three daughters, Mary began a 13-year long career at St. Francis Hospital on the Information Desk where she enjoyed greeting and assisting visitors. She later continued to work at St. Francis as a volunteer in the Critical Care Unit. Mary was a communicant of St. Louis Catholic Church and member of the Ladies Italian American Civic League. She was a thoughtful and compassionate person who will be fondly remembered for her love of family, dancing, bus trips to the casinos and morning coffee hours with her dear friends. In addition to her parents, Mary is predeceased by her brother Robert Ciarloni, Jr. She is survived by her three daughters: Deborah Felker and Trish Pontius (John) of Memphis and Tina Prater of Murfreesboro, TN. Affectionately known as “Grammy”, she leaves behind 5 grandsons: Stewart Felker of Memphis, John Pontius (Lynde) of Rowayton, CT, David Pontius (Allison) of New York, NY, Phillip Prater of Murfreesboro, TN and Kevin Prater (Amanda) of Hendersonville, TN and 4 great grandchildren. Mary is also survived by her 3 siblings: William Ciarloni (Margie), Viola Ciarloni and Leonard Ciarloni (Dorothy) and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 9 from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. at Memorial Park Funeral Home with the funeral service immediately following at 10:00. Private graveside services will be held after the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests any memorials be directed to Methodist Hospice Residence, Madonna Day School, or the charity of the donor’s choice. The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to the entire staff of Methodist Hospice Residence for their unparalleled compassion, kindness and support during her time there.Her services have been entrusted to Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Ave., Memphis TN 38119. (901) 767-8930. “Celebrating Life….Behind the Stone Wall.”
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