Faustina Dorothy "Tina" Ciarlelli, 78, passed away peacefully at home on the morning of July 20, 2025, surrounded by family and friends, after a five-month battle with cancer.

Tina was born on January 24, 1947, to Rosalie (Bonadonna) and Anthony George. She was raised in Kansas City's North End neighborhood and graduated from Glennon High School. She married her Holy Rosary grade school sweetheart, Robert Ciarlelli, in 1967. Together, they built a life rooted in love, faith, and fierce devotion, raising two daughters, JoAnn and Roseanne, who carry her strength in everything they do.

Tina poured herself into her family completely. She was Robert's steadfast partner in every chapter of life. And to her girls, she was a constant protector, cheerleader, and confidant. Her love showed up daily, in a thousand ways that shaped their world.

Of all the roles Tina cherished, none brought her more joy than "Nanie." Her four grandchildren — Ben, Robert, Sophia, and Dominic —were the lights of her life. She beamed at every football, soccer, and volleyball game, dance recital, and Grandparents Day. She made each of them feel like the most important person in the world—and in her eyes, they were. Tina didn't just love her grandchildren; she lived for them.

Tina's influence extended far beyond her immediate family. Her younger siblings, nieces and nephews, cousins, and in-laws can testify to the depth of her love, her boundless generosity, and her unshakable presence. Tina was a natural matriarch, the one everyone called, leaned on, and learned from. She always had just the right saying for any situation. Her honesty was unwavering—she told you what you needed to hear, even if it wasn't always what you wanted to hear—and her wisdom and sincerity were deeply valued by all who knew her.

A devout Catholic, Tina remained a faithful parishioner of Holy Rosary her entire life. She was known for her tireless dedication to the parish's epic St. Joseph's Day Table celebrations.

When Tina loved you, she fed you. Her kitchen table was the family anchor, especially on Sundays. Every week, her home filled with the smells of fried meatballs, a slowly simmering pot of sauce, the clatter of plates, and endless chatter and laughter. Her homemade pizza was a highlight of every special occasion—always enjoyed and quickly devoured.

Tina is survived by her daughters and son-in-law JoAnn Marshall, Roseanne and Chris Corley; grandchildren Benjamin and Robert Marshall, and Sophia and Dominic Corley; mother, Rosalie George; sister and brother-in-law Dorothy Santa Maria and Louis Nigro Jr.; brother and sister-in-law Michael and Anna George; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Linda and Brian Sandridge; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, and a vast extended family and lifelong friends.

She was preceded in death by her loving and beloved husband Robert , her son-in-law Ryan Marshall, father Anthony George, mother-in-law Josephine Ciarlelli, father-in-law Jimmy Ciarlelli, and niece Dominica George.

A heartfelt thank-you to her dearest lifelong friends—who were like sisters to her and whose company she cherished deeply, whether it was on an elaborate trip to Vegas or a simple drive through Sonic for a chili cheese dog. Their love and support carried her through life, especially these last five months.

We will celebrate Tina's life on Wednesday, July 23, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. The Rosary will be prayed at 9:00 a.m. followed by Visitation at 9:30 a.m. and the Mass of Christian Burial at 12:30 p.m. Burial will be at Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Condolences may be offered at www.passantinobros.com