Mary Catherine Angarola

Mary Catherine “Mary Kay” (Fulgenzi) Angarola, age 77, of Oak Park, Illinois, passed away on July 28, 2024. She leaves behind a lasting legacy of kindness, strength, and unconditional love that will live on in the hearts of the family and friends who knew her best, especially her beloved husband James “Jim”.

Mary Kay was born in Chicago in 1946 to Henry and Catherine Fulgenzi. The third of five children, she found her calling early in life when, at the age of 10, her youngest brother was born and she enthusiastically stepped into the role of caregiver as her mother and father returned to work. As a teenager, she took her baby brother nearly everywhere with her, including to her beloved Oak Street beach via public transit.

The joy she felt caring for others was evident throughout her life - as the protective mother of Joseph “Scott” and Christina, and as the proud grandmother of Sofia and Olivia. Her favorite years were those spent caring for her children and grandchildren. It was her passion, her source of energy, and her greatest gift to those fortunate enough to be in her care. The love she poured into them had a profound impact that will last a lifetime.

Mary Kay met her husband Jim in 1965, and the young couple married in 1967, beginning a lifetime of adventures where they were nearly always side by side. They were best friends, devoted parents, and business partners over their nearly 57 years of marriage. The love they shared was deep and enduring and their steadfast devotion to each other was the foundation upon which their lives were built.

She graduated from Siena High School and Northeastern Illinois University. After initially working as a Language Arts teacher, in her 40s Mary Kay began a new career as an insurance agent, where her hard work, determination, and innate warmth brought her success and the quality of life she wanted for her family.

Mary Kay loved traveling (Italy, Los Cabos, Mexico, and Hawaii were among her favorite destinations) and relaxing by the pool or beach while reading.

Her love of family, her talent for home decorating, and her passion for maintaining a beautiful home served her well in her treasured role as hostess alongside her husband Jim. At dozens of family gatherings over several decades, a lifetime of fond memories were created in the warmth of their home.

Throughout her life she was quick to laugh and offer a helping hand. In her final years, she was a fighter, coming back from several health challenges against the odds in order to enjoy the time she had left with family, friends, and devoted caregivers.

Mary Kay is survived by her beloved husband Jim, her loving children Scott (Angela) and Christina (Russell), cherished grandchildren Sofia and Olivia, and dear siblings Larry (Lucille) Fulgenzi, Vince (Michelle) Fulgenzi, and Veronica Siegel, the late Theadora (Dennis) Law, and many treasured nieces and nephews.

In remembrance of Mary Kay’s life, her family asks that any charitable donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to celebrate her lifelong love of children. 

The service for Mary Kay will be live-streamed on Monday August 26th beginning at 4:15pm.                      The service will remain online for future viewing.