Maria Wallig Vannicola, 98 (pictured at right from the 1933 Spy), of Kenosha, died peacefully on Wednesday, April 24, 2013, at Sterling House of Kenosha, surrounded by her loving family.

The daughter of the late John B. and Helen M. (Dreis) Wallig, she was born on March 30, 1915, in Kenosha.  She attended St. George Elementary School and was a graduate of Kenosha High School and Klotz School of Beauty Culture in Milwaukee.  Maria also attended the Kenosha College of Commerce and St. John’s School of Nursing in Springfield, IL.

On January 21, 1956, she was married to Frank J. Vannicola in St. George Catholic Church. He preceded her in death on September 2, 1993.  She was employed with several beauty shops in Kenosha and Illinois, and worked in the Engineering Office of American Motors Corporation, retiring in 1955.

Maria was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church and their Womens’ League, the Catholic Womans’ Club and she was a charter member of St. Catherine’s Hospital Auxiliary.  She was a dedicated volunteer with Hospice Alliance, Inc., and the R.S.V.P. Program.

She is survived by her two nieces, Mary (Ted) Hodan of Bayside and Judy Vidas of Dallas, Tex.; her nephew, John (Mary) Vidas of Kenosha; and 19 great nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her two sisters, Raineldis Flood and Marcella Vidas.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on May 8, 2013 at St. Peter Catholic Church, followed by interment in St. George Cemetery.