Mary L. (Laicoff) Gambo

Mary L. Gambo, age 94, of Ottawa, passed away Monday, May 22, 2017.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 27th at St. Francis Church with Rev. Augustin Kassa celebrating.  Interment will follow in Ottawa Avenue Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Francis Church.  Gladfelter Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Mary was born December 12, 1922 in DePue, Illinois, a daughter of Thomas and Kaliopi (Delemany) Laicoff.  She married Michael Gambo in January of 1944.  He preceded her in death October 30, 2006.  Mary is survived by a daughter, Sharon Gambo of Ottawa; as well as several nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews; and great-great nieces and nephews.  Along with her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Bill Laicoff; and sisters, Anastasia “Ceia” Nestler, Helen and Katherine Laicoff.

Mary was a lady of deep religious convictions.  She was a member of St. Mary’s Church in Naplate and the Altar and Rosary Society.  Mary was a tremendous cook and was known for baking numerous cookies and pastries for various seasonal events.  She and Michael enjoyed traveling the United States and Europe.  In her leisure time, Mary could be found volunteering as a Peer Counselor at St. Margaret’s Hospital in Spring Valley.  She enjoyed working in her yard, particularly caring for her rose bushes.  Memorial contributions may be directed to the family.