Marie P. Christofano was born on Friday, November 13, 1931, to Nick and Virginia Palmentere, and died on Friday, February 13, 2026, at the age of 94, peacefully surrounded by her loving family, Venita, Kay, Mike, and Tom.

Marie was born and raised in the "North End" of Kansas City, Missouri. She graduated from Manual High School in 1948 with many honors such as captain of the debate team (she loved to tell us!) and a cheerleader. She was chosen to be cover girl for the American Tribune Magazine (which she would not want us to mention, but we were proud!)

She married Roy R. Poppa in 1950, together they built their wonderful life with their children, family and friends. Roy passed too soon, after 39 years, leaving his loving, devoted wife and family.

In 1992, she married Anthony Christofano and enjoyed another 24 beautiful years with him and their "blended" family.

Our Mother was truly one of the kindest, most humble, thoughtful, intelligent, beautiful woman to grace this earth. She accepted life's challenges head on, enjoyed the happiness to the fullest, just a wonderful example of a lady.

She was the last of her special group of lifelong friends (the "kindergarten club") with shared friendships of more than eighty years. She will forever remain in our hearts.

Marie was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands; sons Micheal A. Poppa and Paul Joseph Poppa; brother Bennie; and sister Jeanette Palmentere; grandson Rocky Poppa; sister-in-law Mary Poppa; and many other brothers/sisters-in-law, cousins, and friends.

Survivors include daughter and son-in-law Venita and Craig Bobzien; grandchildren Kathryn and Mike Schramm, Tom Saluto; great-grandsons Michael, Tommy, and Jack Schramm; former son-in-law Steve Saluto; goddaughter Sandra Pizzichino; stepchildren Anita Cacioppo, Anthony and Debbie Christifano, and their children and grandchildren; sisters-in-law Anita Palmentere, Carol Poppa, Phyllis Christifano, and Antoinette Christofano.

Services will be held on Friday, February 20, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. followed by the Funeral Mass at 11:30 a.m. [ LIVE STREAM ] Burial will be at White Chapel Memorial Gardens.

Pallbearers are Michael L. Poppa, Anthony Palmentere, Bennie Palmentere, Chuck Palmentere, Chuck Cacioppo III, and Vince Christifano.

Honorary Pallbearers are Dr. Mike Poppa, Phil Poppa, and Tom Poppa.

Special thanks for all the wonderful care of Mom goes out to the staff at Linden Woods and the Gentiva Hospice.

Condolences may be offered at www.passantinobros.com