Mary Calarco LaFave

Early in the morning of Monday, October 6, 2025, Mary Calarco LaFave passed away peacefully at her home in Plano, Texas.

Mary was born on August 4, 1946, in Manhattan, New York. She was the third child of the late Vincenza Marrara Calarco and Charles Carmelo Calarco, both born in Podargoni, Reggio Calabria, Italy. They emigrated from Italy after the 1908 earthquake that destroyed their town, passing through Ellis Island – where their names are inscribed on the Wall of Honor – before settling in New York City. Mary was a proud first-generation American.

She graduated from Evander Childs High School in 1964 and from St. John’s University in January 1968 with a master’s degree in mathematics. She was very proud to have completed her degree in only 3.5 years! Born into poverty, she worked her way through college with determination and faith.

Mary began her career teaching high school mathematics for 3 years but left education when opportunities for advancement were limited. During this time, she lovingly cared for her mother, who had suffered a stroke – a commitment that lasted 12 years. Mary then transitioned into the engineering field, holding positions with several corporations in New York and Texas. She took great pride in her technical work and the accomplishments she achieved there.

Before meeting her soulmate, Mary was briefly married to Henryk Sloma and later divorced. Mary met her beloved Peter LaFave in Manhattan and married on September 12, 1981, in a beautiful and joy-filled ceremony at Saint Malachy’s Catholic Church. Their marriage was a true partnership and an inspiration to all who knew them. Their love was evident in the smallest gestures – the way they looked at each other, the way they always held hands. Together, they shared a beautiful life, a true blessing from God.

Mary and Peter expressed their devotion through years of volunteer service at their parish, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church. They served as Eucharistic Ministers and later as coordinators of the ministry, offering instruction and guidance to others. They also supported young couples preparing for marriage through the parish’s Marriage Preparation Program (FOCUS) and later through Worldwide Marriage Encounter, sharing their experience and faith with countless couples. In recent years, they were active members of the Serra Club, promoting vocations to the priesthood and religious life – a cause deeply meaningful to both of them.

Mary was a devoted Godmother and a beloved aunt to many nieces and nephews. She was also a wonderful cook, famous for her Thanksgiving celebrations with family and friends, whether in New York or in Plano with her “adopted family”.

Lovers of the arts, Mary and Pete attended countless Broadway shows – seeing Les Misérables an impressive 19 times! After retiring at the age of 55, she enjoyed many happy years of travel with Peter, taking cruises to destinations such as Italy, South America, and Alaska – often renewing their wedding vows along the way. When not at sea, they loved driving across the East Coast to visit family and friends, bringing warmth and laughter wherever they went.

In addition to her husband Peter and her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her brother, Dr. (Natale) Joseph Calarco of Michigan, and her sister, Gaeta Calarco Parente of New York. She is survived by her Aunt Santa Marrara, by her cousins, and eleven cherished nieces and nephews.

We take comfort knowing she is now reunited in Heaven with her beloved Peter, her dear mother, and her siblings—perhaps once again dancing the Texas Two-Step with Peter, her eternal partner in love and faith.

A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, October 23, 2025, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Plano, Texas with a viewing and recitation of the Rosary beginning at 10:00 a.m. If you wish to join the mass via webcast, please visit: https://youtube.com/live/JJdt-yE8xoU?feature=share

A reception will immediately follow the mass in the parish hall.

Mary will be laid to rest at the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Columbarium, alongside her beloved husband, Peter.

The family wishes to thank all who shared their love and friendship with Mary.

In lieu of flowers, please consider having a Catholic Mass said for Mary or donating to the Serra Club of Dallas at https://www.serradallas.org/