Marguerite Jo. Shortino (Nuccio), 93, of Independence, Missouri, was welcomed into Heaven on Thursday, December 29th, 2022. She was born on June 17th, 1929, at St. Vincent's Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri.

She was a faithful daughter, a loving and devoted wife, a selfless mother to eight children, and a doting Nana to 20 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. She grew up in Kansas City's Old Northeast area and moved to Independence, MO after she married the love of her life, Vincent M. Shortino, in 1957, where they raised their family and she resided for the remainder of her life.

If you knew Marguerite, you would know she was an iconic woman - the kind legends are made of. Movie star beauty; a dynamic, vivacious personality full of life and gusto; fiercely protective of her loved ones; devout to her Catholic faith; always on the go, with enough energy to outpace us all; and ornery as the day is long.

Marguerite was a social butterfly with countless lifelong friends who became like family, and she cherished them all. She enjoyed watching and feeding the animals and birds, particularly the red birds. She cooked a mean lasagna, sugo and meatballs, a delicious strawberry cheesecake, and undeniably the best apple pies to have ever been baked.

She sang in the choir, bowled, played pinochle, bunko, cards, bingo, and tried her hand at the slots with her St. Gerard Guild friends and many others. She loved watching and cheering on the Royals, her 'Boys in Blue,' attending her first and only game at the age of 88.

She dedicated time to the church teaching Sunday school and was committed to cooking, preparing for, and working the St. Joseph Table each year, as if it was her calling.

Marguerite loved dancing with her husband Vince, gliding across the floor like pro's…stealing the spotlight with every spin, twirl, and flawless step together…never missing a beat. It was a performance to behold, with fairytale-like magic.

She entered the workforce after her children were grown, working at Leo Eisenberg, Dannon, and then Macy's until she was 83, earning multiple sales awards. We didn't think she'd ever slow down. However, when she did, she crocheted. And boy did she crochet…multiple blankets for all of her children and grandchildren. Treasured mementos to wrap ourselves up in the warmth of her love for years to come.

She simply shined, and we will continue to look for her guiding light, her inspiration, and her red birds throughout our lives.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Grace Nuccio; her beloved husband, Vincent M. Shortino Sr.; her son Paul M. Shortino; her daughter Victoria Jo. Alfs; and mother-in-law Frances Keys.

She leaves behind her children Vincetta M. Shortino, Rosemarie Shortino, Michael J. Shortino, Angela M. Gonnerman, Vincent M. Shortino Jr. and wife Sarah, Marguerite (Rita) Jo. Saladino and husband John; grandchildren Aaron Shortino and sons Michael and Alex, Joseph Shortino, Jonathan Shortino, Jeremiah Alfs, Jennifer Alfs, Stephen Zicarelli, Alaina Upton and husband David and children Alivia and David Caius, Nicholas Shortino and son Ryker, Marina Shortino and daughter Anson, Samuel Shortino, Anthony Shortino, Taylor Gonnerman, Maxwell Williams and wife Casey, Roman Shortino and wife Melayna and daughter Nocacelie, Gracie Rose Shortino, Anessa Saladino, Dominic Saladino, and Mara Saladino; sister-in-law Rose Sosna and husband Ed; and brother-in-law Ralph Keys and wife Amica.

Services will be held on Wednesday, January 4, at St. Bernadette Catholic Church. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. with the Rosary at 11:00 a.m. and Funeral Mass at 11:30 a.m. Burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Pallbearers: Aaron Shortino, Jeremiah Alfs, Nicholas Shortino, Stephen Zicarelli, Dominic Saladino, Maxwell Williams, Roman Shortino, Samuel Shortino, and Anthony Shortino.

Memorial contributions are suggested to any of the following:

The Salvation Army

14700 E Truman Rd.

Independence, MO 64050

ALSAC/St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

501 St. Jude Place

Memphis, TN 38105

Tunnel to Towers Foundation

2361 Hylan Boulevard

Staten Island, NY 10306