MARIE MEALMAN MARIANO was born at home in rural Blue Mound, KS on August 15, 1937 to Delbert and Mabel Simmons Mealman. She passed away at home in Joplin, MO surrounded by family on March 20, 2025. The family lived around the Fort Scott and Garland area until they moved to Uniontown, KS in August of 1948 so her brothers could go to school. Marie graduated from Uniontown High School in 1955 and went to work at Key Overall Factory from May 1955-February 1956. February 1956, she went to work at Mercy Hospital in Fort Scott under Dr. Vernon A. Berkey until she got married to Frank Mariano, Jr from Mulberry, KS on September 2, 1961 and moved to Pittsburg, KS. Marie went to work at Mt. Carmel Hospital under Dr. Berkey until she went to work in his office. Marie worked at Dr. Berkey’s office until he retired and continued working for Dr. S. Dean Papp, Jr until she retired in 2019 at the age of 81.
Marie and Frank had one daughter, Twyla Mariano.
She is survived by her daughter Twyla of the home, grandson Joey Tomasi, granddaughter Casey Mariano, 10 great-grandchildren: Frank Mariano, Gauge Tomasi, Morgan Tomasi, Tobi Tomasi, Izabella Luck, Madison Luck, Zoe Luck, Zelda Frazier, Sabriel Frazier. One great grandson, Jaden Luck, who lived at home with her and Twyla and helped with her care. And her beloved dog, Penny Pup who stayed beside her and never left her side. Frank and Gauge’s mother, Jennifer Turner, who was like a granddaughter, and her girls Breanna and Ryleigh. Marie’s ex son in law, Joe Tomasi (Scarlett), who remained close to her all these years, and his other children, Zak, Ethan and Kennedy Tomasi. One brother: Dale and Edna Mealman of Wichita, KS And also several nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her husband and best friend Frank Mariano, Jr on April 4th, 1995; her parents, 3 brothers: Richard, Eugene and Leo Mealman, and her sister in law Verna Edwards.
Thanks to Good Shepherd Hospice who provided loving care the last year. Marie has been cremated per her wishes and there will be no funeral, she will be buried at Rosebank Cemetery in Mulberry, KS next to her husband. There will be a Celebration of Life on Sunday, March 30th at 4:30pm at Palluccas Event Center, 207 E. McKay, Frontenac, KS. Arrangements are under the direction of Ozark Memorial Park Crematory of Joplin, MO.