Mary Virginia Quijano

Mary Virginia (Beltrame) Quijano was born May 15, 1917 in Des Moines, Iowa to Oswaldo and Margherita (Aita) Beltrame. Mary’s life revolved around her family. She was a very generous and civic minded person who actively contributed to the community and her family. Mary enjoyed celebrating the holidays with family, never forgetting a birthday or celebration. She lived in her home for 73 years and the family looked forward to her famous Sunday meals. Mary loved her grandchildren who helped to keep her youthful and energetic. She would have a weekly outing to lunch and the movies each Saturday and was an avid Iowa State Fair-goer. She enjoyed flower and vegetable gardening and liked working puzzles and playing cards. Mary stayed active into her 90’s. She proudly graduated from high school at the age of 91 and also visited Italy the same year with her parish.

Mary passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at Mercy Hospice in Johnston on Sunday, March 2, 2014 at the age of 96.

She is survived by her children: Donald Quijano (Becky), Marquita Schmitz (David), Lupe Babcock (Lorence), Alec Quijano (Cindy), Donna Beattie, Barbara Decker (Larry Willis), and Dolores Leon (Fred); 18 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband of 72 years, Frank Quijano; infant son; and her siblings, Art Beltrame, Olga Carrara, and Rose Quijano.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, March 6, 2014 with a 6:00 p.m. vigil service at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 7, 2014 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, 15 Indianola Road, with burial to follow at Glendale Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Anthony’s Church or Mercy Hospice in Johnston.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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