Agnes Marie (Christifano) Saladino was born February 2, 1942, in Kansas City, MO, and passed away peacefully on December 24, 2023, surrounded by her family.

Agnes grew up in the neighborhood of Northeast Kansas City and was the youngest of six children. She was a loving daughter, sister, and mother. She was the princess, with five older brothers always watching over her. She attended Glennon High School. Agnes married her husband Marion C. Saladino in October 1960, and they spent 63 amazing years together.  Agnes was small in stature but mighty in spirit and was driven in all life's  endeavors.  She was the loving mother of four children. She always made sure everyone had all the tools they needed to succeed whether it was a special lunch for a big day at school or a hug when you walked through the door after a tough day. She always knew exactly what you needed and when you needed it. Agnes was also a loving Nani to 14 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She embraced a fun and child-like spirit around them and imparted her wisdom upon them whenever she could.

Agnes was a perfectionist, and excelled at many things in life, but somehow always made it look effortless. This trait was best displayed by her ability to transition from a full-time mom to a successful  business partner with her husband. She was able to help run the company's accounting department with a watchful eye as nothing passed her.  It was an amazing feat because she did all of this without any formal training and did it for many years at a high level. The family business would not be the success it is today without Agnes' tireless attention to detail.

When we talk about perfection, we can't overlook her innate ability to fill her home with love and unbelievable food. Good food and love were synonymous in Agnes' home. She was always welcoming to whomever showed up for dinner, especially on Sundays. Each meatball was rolled with love just as each Italian cookie or cake needed to taste and look perfect. She understood that love and family were important, and she drew us all together with her amazing meals. She gave her time and attention to any of her children, grandchildren,  and extended family or anyone who wanted to learn her craft in the kitchen. Her love for her family was endless and unconditional.

She was preceded in death by her parents Alfonso and Anna Marie Christofano; as well as her brothers Anthony Christofano and Jerome Christofano; sisters-in-law Anna May Christofano, Carol Christofano, and Mary Francis Christofano; father-in-law and mother-in-law Louis and Helen Saladino; and sister-in-law Roseann Ferrara.

She is survived by her husband Marion Saladino; her four children Louis and Lisa Saladino, Alfonso and Alaina Saladino, Helena Vilott, and John and Rita Saladino; her grandchildren Marion and Kristina Saladino, Elisa and Alex Cook, Agnesa Saladino, Jack and Taylor Saladino, Anthony and Abby Albera, Dominic Albera, Marion J. Saladino, Luci Saladino, John Saladino, Jacob Vilott, Agnesa Vilott, Anessa Saladino, Dominic Saladino, and Mara Saladino; great-grandchildren Collette Saladino, Marianna Saladino, Louis Saladino and Maren Cook; brothers and sisters-in-law Simon and Antoinette Christofano, Joe Mike and Phyllis Christifano, Angelo Christofano, Marie Christofano; brothers-in-law and sister-in-law Frank and Cathy Saladino, and Victor Ferrara; and many nieces and nephews.

Services will be held on Wednesday, January 3, at St. Mark's Catholic Church, 3736 S. Lee's Summit Rd., Independence, MO 64055. Visitation will begin at 10:30 a.m. followed by the Rosary at 12:30 p.m. and the Funeral Mass at 1:00 p.m. Entombment will be at Mount Olivet Mausoleum, 7601 Blue Ridge Blvd., Raytown, MO 64138. A celebration of Agnes' life and luncheon will follow the entombment at 3:00 p.m. at The Stanley Event Space, 308 SE Douglas St., Lee's Summit, MO 64063. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Agnes' name to the Alzheimer's Association or the Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Foundation .

Pallbearers: Marion Saladino, Jack Saladino, Jacob Vilott, Dominic Saladino, Marion Saladino, John Saladino, Anthony Albera, and Dominic Albera.

Condolences may be offered at www.passantinobros.com