Mary Jane Lucchi, of Joplin, Mo., died Friday, December 10, 2021 at Landmark Hospital in Joplin, Mo. Born in Cherokee Mary graduated from Crawford Community High School in Cherokee. She attended classes at Pittsburg State College. Mary and Bill Lucchi were united in marriage July 19, 1952 at St. Anastasia Catholic Church in Cherokee. Bill preceded her in death November 15, 2001. Mary was also preceded in death by her mother, dad and two brothers. Mary, Bill and the boys moved to Joplin, Mo. from Coffeyville, in 1960. She was employed as a secretary-bookkeeper for several companies and retired in 1993. She was presently a member of St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Joplin, Mo. and was active in PTA, Altar Society, St. John’s Auxiliary, Aerobic Divas, Grand Slammers and several bridge clubs in Joplin and the Lunch Bunch in Pittsburg. Mary did volunteer work at Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Webb City, Mo.; St Peter the Apostle Catholic Church of Joplin, Mo.; St. John’s Hospital; and the Vantage Club of Joplin, Mo. Mary is survived by Steve and Mary Jo of Little Rock, Ark.; Chris and Lori of Branson, Mo.; Neal and Lorrie of Pittsburgh, Penn.; four grandchildren and three step-grandchildren. A Funeral Mass will be held Thursday, December 16 at 1 p.m. at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Joplin, Mo. with a Rosary to be held at 12:30 p.m. preceding Mass. Celebrating Mass will be Father Brian Straus. Burial will follow at Highland Park Cemetery in Pittsburg.
In lieu of flowers, her request was for memorial contributions be made to the St Peter the Apostle Catholic Church.
After witnessing firsthand the ravaging effects of the COVID-19 virus, the family has decided to provide a video stream of the rosary, funeral mass and graveside services in lieu of attending in person.
In addition to the video stream of the service, which will begin at 12:30 p.m. Thursday December 16, a live, virtual reception on Zoom will be at 5 p.m. Funeral arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Simpson Funeral Home in Webb City, Mo.