Mary Christine (Infranca) Poppa, 97, passed away quietly at home with family on March 31, 2023. Services will be held Tuesday, April 4, 2023, at Our Lady of the Presentation Catholic Church, 130 NW Murray Rd, Lee's Summit, Missouri 64081. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. with the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. Service of Committal will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Raytown, Missouri.

Mary was born on September 30, 1925 in Kansas City, Missouri, the fifth of six children to Sicilian immigrants, Filippo and Cristina Infranca (Danna). On October 9, 1948, she married the love of her life, Matthew Poppa. Two years later they began their family with the birth of the first of their four children. After only 37 years of marriage, she unexpectedly lost her husband and one true love. Although they were physically apart, he was never far from her mind or heart. A framed picture of Matt by her bedside was the first thing she woke up to in the morning, and the very last image she saw before closing her eyes at night.

Mary lived her life to the fullest. She was vibrant, strong, humble, resilient, kind, sincere, independent, devoted, funny, caring and faithful. She was a devout Catholic. Steadfast in her faith, she drew compassion, courage and strength from her relationship with the Holy Father. She was referred to in many ways–wife, mother, friend–but most of all, Mary was "Nonni" to everyone who knew and loved her.

Mary's most cherished accomplishment was her family. She was granted God's greatest gifts in her husband and children, and her pride and joy were her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She will always be remembered for her amazing food, candid remarks and selfless love.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents Filippo and Cristina, siblings Frank Infranca, Michael Infranca, Lena Pisciotta, Catherine Kunesh, Joseph Infranca; and her husband Matt—to whom she remained devoted until her last breath, and is now reunited with in Heaven.

Mary's love and light shine on in her children Michael Poppa (Charlene), Phillip Poppa, Thomas Poppa, Leanne Mattoni (John); grandchildren Michael J. Poppa (Tom Phillips), Jamie Elwood; Jenny Jones (Nate), Joe Poppa (Shannon), Sarah Poppa (Tracy Smith), Julia Poppa, Matt Poppa (Becky), Lauren Wahlen (Jeff), Nick Neuman (Shelby), Blake Neuman (Kelli); great-grandchildren Lila Elwood, Nora Elwood, John Wooldridge, Gunner Wooldridge, Charli Wooldridge, Riley Wooldridge, Ainsley Jones, Carsyn Poppa, Jacob Poppa, Cooper Smith, Connor Smith, Justus Poppa, Alexander Poppa, August Poppa, Aliyah Wahlen; cousins, nieces, nephews; and all who were lucky enough to call her Nonni.

Special thanks to Dot Elks and Elaine Hart who provided excellent care to Mary, and became part of the family along the way.

Mary/Mom/Nonni, you were the glue that held everything together. We miss you more than words can express. We love you, always.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation in Mary's honor to:

American Heart Association

Online: https://www.heart.org/en/get-involved/ways-to-give?form=FUNQCSERKQD

By Mail (printable form): https://www.heart.org/-/media/Files/Get-Involved/Donate/AHA-2021-Donation-Form-PDF.pdf

Catholic Charities of Kansas City-St. Joseph

Online: https://catholiccharities-kcsj.org/donate/