Mary Theresa (Battaglia) Nigro passed away on Monday, December 30, 2024, at the age of 83, surrounded by family.

Mary was born on October 18, 1941, in Kansas City, Missouri to Fannie (Lascuola) and John Battaglia. She grew up in the close-knit North End neighborhood of Kansas City near many other Italian-American families and relatives. Mary attended Holy Rosary grade school and Cardinal Glennon High School in Kansas City, Missouri, where she participated in the glee club and established friendships that remained throughout her life.

Following high school, Mary worked at the American Academy of Family Physicians for 14 years, where she had the opportunity to travel and develop business skills that would serve her well later in life.

Mary met her husband Richard S. "Dick" Nigro on a blind date and the two married at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in 1970. Mary and Dick moved to south Kansas City, where they built a home and raised three children. Mary soon quit working to be a full-time mother and homemaker. She fostered her love for kids and reading by volunteering at St. Thomas More Parish School as a librarian for many years while her children attended the grade school.

Following Dick's death in 1993, Mary took an active role in daily operations of Gregory McGee Company, the family real estate company that Dick and his sisters established in the early 1960s. She continued with this role for more than 20 years while supporting and guiding her children through high school, college and early adulthood.

Mary shared her Italian-American heritage and love for her family through cooking. Each Sunday for more than 40 years, her family gathered around the table at home to enjoy Mary's treasured dishes. She loved to bake and rarely served a meal without one of her delicious home-baked cakes or desserts. Friends and neighbors were especially fond of her Italian cookies, which she would deliver to homes every year during Christmas.

For many years, Mary participated in the St. Joseph Table at St. Thomas More Parish by baking and by decorating the table. She prayed the Rosary often and it gave her great comfort, especially as she aged.

Mary loved her family unconditionally and was a loyal friend. She held many titles throughout her lifetime including wife, mother, sister, Aunt Mary or "Aunt Mae", and Nonna - which was one she loved dearly.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents Fannie and John Battaglia; her husband Dick; her sister Lenora Hardaway; and her sister-in-law Barbara Daniels. She is survived by her sister-in-law Jacqueline Longo (Joe); her children Michael A. Nigro (Amanda), Jacqueline A. Woods (Brian), and Stephen J. Nigro (Patty); five grandchildren Richard S. "Sam" Nigro, Benjamin A. Nigro, Anna E. Woods, Marisa C. Woods and Jessica L. Woods; 15 nieces and nephews, and many great-nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 911 E. Missouri Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri. The Rosary will be prayed at 10 am followed by Visitation at 10:30 am and Mass at noon. Burial will be at Mount Olivet Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested to Children's Mercy Hospital .

The family would like to thank the kind and compassionate nurses and caregivers who patiently provided Mary with much love and attention, as well as many supportive family members and close friends without whom her last months would have been much more difficult. Special thanks to Prudence Coleman, Rachel Hage, Mariah Brink, Alayna Simecka, Terrie Marie Carson, JoAnn Leardi and Maggie Neustadt.

Condolences may be offered at www.passantinobros.com