Marie "Mara" Martincic

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Marie “Mara” (Pecelin) Martincic.

Mara was born Dec 16, 1938 in Skofja Loka, Slovenia and died on Nov 2, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. She was attended by her very-much loved daughter-in-law Christine Roberts who stayed with her through the night until her passing at 7:00 am.                                                                  

She leaves behind her husband of almost 59 years Frank, son Paul, grandchildren Sophia and Samuel, sisters Ann (Pecelin) Nowak, Frances (Pecelin) Wolfe, and Yvonne (Pecelin) Billich, and sisters-in-law Elis (Martincic) Nickl and Maria (Martincic) Sella, and Rasa (Rimas) as well as many nephews and their families. She is preceded in death by her father Frank Pecelin, mother Frances (Ziherl) Pecelin, brother Nicholas Pecelin, and brothers-in-law Robert “Bob” Nowak, Paul Wolfe, and Victor Martincic.

Mara was the embodiment of one who loved life and embraced all the simple joys and blessings it had to offer. Despite personal tragedy which permanently disabled Frank on their honeymoon, Mara never let the incident define her. She worked and cared for her husband, and then their son, and eventually many, many cats. Her house was filled with thrift store treasures of all kinds. Art filled the walls. Books filled cases. Plants were everywhere. Music was almost always on; mostly Classical, but she also loved Gospel and of course, Slovenian. She gardened, she cooked, she baked. She took photos of cats and flowers and Frank and the grandkids. She loved to dote on them and have them over and just love them. She looked forward to getting together with her sisters and going downtown or to Martin’s Corner for Italian beef. As a member of the SCC, she enjoyed attending dinners and cultural events and being with fellow Slovenes. Later in life, she became a Lecter at her adopted parish of St Paul in Chicago and took communion to the sick and elderly as well. She was tireless until the end when her body finally said, “Game Over.” She was admired by all who knew her.

The family invites you to celebrate her life on November 19. There will be two locations to choose from and join in remembering this wonderful woman.

St. Paul Catholic Church 2127 West 22nd PL. Chicago, Illinois 60608

Visitation from 9am until 10am. Followed by a Memorial Service and blessing at 10am.

 St Mary’s Slovenian Catholic Mission. 14246 Main St. Lemont, IL 60439. 

Mass at 12- noon followed by luncheon

*NOTE: Mass will be live-streamed on https://youtu.be/uXupVig_DPA

The family invites you down the hill for lunch at the Slovenian Catholic Center.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to the family to help with the care of Marie’s much - loved husband Frank.

Checks made payable to Frank  Martincic
6862 Camden Road Downers Grove, IL. 60516

Arrangements for Mara and the Martincic family have been entrusted to Debbie Zefran-Jerry funeral director and friend.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Marie "Mara" Martincic, please visit our floral store.