Mary Elizabeth Podeschi, 94, of Frisco, TX, formerly of Kincaid and Taylorville, Illinois, passed away on Saturday, August 5, 2023, at her residence, surrounded by family. 

Mary was born April 12, 1929, in Kincaid, the daughter of the late William H. and Aurora “Doris” L. (Susin) Cummings.  She married Marcel R. Podeschi, the longtime owner of the Taylorville My Store, on June 6, 1948, at St. Rita’s Catholic Church in Kincaid.  Mary and Marcel were childhood sweethearts, having met in the accordion band when they were 12 and 14 years old.  In addition to accordion, she played saxophone in the Taylorville High School Band, while Marcel played trumpet.  They both loved to take a turn around the dance floor.  They resided in Taylorville until 1995, when they moved to St. Louis, and then St. Petersburg, FL in 1997. Marcel preceded her in death on May 16, 2003.  After Marcel’s death, Mary moved to Fairview, TX to live near her son David, daughter-in-law Susan, and granddaughter Lori.  She was a longtime member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Taylorville, and an avid bridge player.

Mary is survived by her children, David (wife, Susan) Podeschi of Prosper, TX, Denise (husband, William Maloney) Podeschi of Scottsdale, AZ, Daniel (wife, Cindy) Podeschi of Roanoke, VA, and Darrin (wife, Jennifer) Podeschi of Prosper, TX; grandchildren, Lori (husband, Jeff) Antonioli, Christopher (wife, Carrie Vitko) Podeschi, Haley (husband, John “JP” Preston) Baker, Hanna (fiancé, Pendleton “Penn” Draper) Podeschi, Alexandra Podeschi, Ann Marie Podeschi, and William Podeschi; great grandchildren, Matthew (wife Samantha) Antonioli, Ryan (wife Brooke) Antonioli, Henry Podeschi, and Ruby Podeschi.

Visitation, Rosary, & Funeral Mass: The family will receive friends from 9:30-10:30 a.m. on Thursday, August 10, 2023, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 108 W. Adams Street, Taylorville, IL 62568.  A rosary service will be held at 10:30 a.m. in the church, and the funeral mass will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Piotr Kosk as celebrant.

Interment will follow the funeral mass at Oak Hill Cemetery in Taylorville.

Memorial contributions may be made to: National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

The family has entrusted Shafer-Perfetti & Assalley Funeral Home in Taylorville with ceremonies.

Please visit www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com to share memories of Mary, or to offer condolences to her family.