Age 85

Youngest child of the late Mary and Joseph Prezios of Dearborn, formerly of Italy.
Dearest Wife of 66 years to John "Pepsi" Pepera

Devoted Mother of 9;  Nancy Noonan (Joe), Phillip Pepera (Liz), Sally Olson (Jay), Marie Pepera, Paul Pepera (Autumn), Laura Noonan (Godson David), Peter Pepera, Carol Pepera, Susie McGraw

Adored Grandmother of 9;  Joe "JoJo" Noonan (Leah), Andy Pepera (Emily), Jeffrey Pepera, Audrey Bollella, Nina Bollella, Kathryn Pepera, Johnny McGraw and the late Dr. Dominic Noonan and Danny Pepera

Loving Great Grandmother of 4; Maggie Noonan, Kameryn Campbell (at heart), Patrick Noonan, Baby Ethan Pepera

Many others considered her their "Ma"

Beloved Sister of Loretta Brandt (Don), and the late Lucia Querbach and Beatrice Galazka (Don)

Mary was born in Detroit on July 8th, 1931. Her family then made their home in Dearborn, where her parents raised 4 beautiful Italian Girls. She graduated from Fordson High School in 1949. She worked at Federals Department Store in Dearborn until she met her future husband. While he (Pepsi) tried to court her he would call and her sisters would say "she's gone fishing." After much persistence, their courtship finally started and resulted in 66 amazing years and a large, loving, close knit family. Together they raised their 9 children in Garden City where she has been a resident for the last 60 years. Her career as she put it, was a "Household Engineer." She ALWAYS put the needs of her children far above her own! She was a devout Catholic and a member of St. Thomas the Apostle (formerly St. Raphael) Catholic Church for over 60 years. All 9 of her children, and 7 of her grandchildren graduated from their school. Mary was often the Lunch Mom. She loved to travel and has been on 10 cruises. She's been to Alaska, has made many trips to Florida, and even more to Las Vegas. She loved the sun and always wore tongs (flip flops), even in the winter. She has some on right now. She remained active until recently when her Parkinson's Disease started to take the best of her. After a long stay at Garden City Hospital she passed away at Angela Hospice Care Center in Livonia in the arms of her Pepsi. She is now at peace with God and those who have gone before her, especially her 2 Grandsons, Dominic (Dollboy) and Danny (Danny Boy). Her family's lives are forever changed by the loss of their Matriarch, but a piece of her lives on in each of their hearts. May perpetual light shine upon her.

Visitation Friday 2-8 pm with a 7 pm Rosary at the John N. Santeiu & Son Funeral Home, 1139 N. Inkster Rd., Garden City (Between Ford Rd. & Cherry Hill).  In state Saturday 10:30 am followed by the 11 am Funeral Mass at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 31530 Beechwood, Garden City (at Merriman Rd., 2 blocks north of Ford Rd.).

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to Parkinson's Foundation of Michigan