Mary Jo Caligiuri-Killin

Mary Jo Caligiuri-Killin was born to Agnes and Joseph Caligiuri on August 9, 1937. She entered Heaven’s gates on December 31, 2015.

Mary Jo lived in Des Moines most of her life. She attended St. Anthony’s Elementary School, St. Joseph’s Academy High School, Clark College, and Drake University. She held different jobs, but found her niche in being a great, skillful mother raising her four children.

Mary Jo had an unwavering faith in God. She found comfort in life’s struggles through prayer. She loved listening to religious programs and music on the radio. She was very devoted to her faith, love of God, and had a flare for reaching out to those less fortunate. Sue, Mary Jo’s daughter, always told her “you are an angel on earth.” Mary Jo had her first piano lesson in third grade and she blossomed into a very talented piano player. She played the piano and organ during church services and for her own and others personal enjoyment. Her love for music spilled over to her love of classic musicals such as the Sound of Music, Oliver, and My Fair Lady. Mary Jo also enjoyed putting flower arrangements together and drawing with pencils and chalk. She served as a Resident Council Member at Calvin Community.

She is survived by her sister, Clarene Filippelli; children, Debbie (Nick) Illg, Ed Killin, Jr., Sue (Matty) Smith, and Mary Anne (Gasole) Killin; nine grandchildren, Afton, Alyssa, Zac, Cory, Summer, Megan, Moriah, Maddix, and Sophie; and one great-grandson, Anders. Mary Jo was preceded in death by great-granddaughter, Sofia.

Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life service on Friday, January 8, 2016 at 11:00 AM at Lutheran Church of Hope, 925 Jordan Creek Parkway in West Des Moines, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Alliance on Mental Illness Greater Des Moines (NAMI), P.O. Box 12174, Des Moines, IA 50312. Condolences may be expressed online at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10

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