HURLEY, Wis. – Mary Samuelli, 102, of Hurley, passed away peacefully Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, at the Villa Maria Health and Rehabilitation Center in Hurley after complications related to COVID-19.

Mary was born at home in Carey to Vincent and Maria (DeRosso) Stella on Dec. 23, 1917. She survived the first pandemic as a baby and almost survived the second one in 2020. She died just 3 days short of her 103rd birthday. Mary loved life and was always happy to profess her age to anyone who would listen.

In August 1937, Mary was united in marriage to Lino Samuelli. They spent their entire 67 years of married life in the house that Lino built in Hurley. They raised their two boys and enjoyed many adventures and travels together as the years passed. Mary lived for her family, they were the joy of her life. Always looking for a new escapade, she learned to ski in her 50's, learned to drive a snowmobile in her 60's, loved fishing from their camp and cottage, and would drop everything if someone mentioned a trip to the casino. In 2017, Mary was honored with a 100th year birthday party where she was the belle of the ball celebrating with many family and friends. She was always full of fun, and so often would have everyone laughing with her story telling. These are the memories we will always cherish.

Survivors include three grandchildren, Cheryl Smith, Marc (Kathleen) Samuelli and Jeanne Schurott; her daughter-in-law, Joanne Samuelli; five great-grandchildren, Alexis and Bandon Smith, Samantha and Kayla Samuelli and Anthony Schurott, all of Colorado. Mary and Lino spent time with their grandchildren at every opportunity, often for months at a time. The visits were always treasured by old and young. She is also survived by many very special nieces and nephews, many of whom also enjoyed precious visits. Coffee time at Auntie Mary's was a frequent activity for many years.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband in 2004; two sons, Edward, in 2006, and Richard, in 1998; and siblings, Christina Wills, Celia Bruneau, Ethel Rasmussen, Irene Canalia, Ottilio Stella and Italo Stella; as well as several nephews.

The family would like to express our thanks to the dedicated heroes who work at the Villa Maria for the special care Mary received while residing at their facility.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, June 26, at 11 a.m., preceded by visitation at 10 a.m., at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Hurley, with the Rev. Frank Kordek, OFM, celebrant.

Rite of Committal and interment will take place at St. Mary's Cemetery in Hurley.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Mary's Church, 404 Iron St., Hurley, WI 54534.

Jerald Rocco of Lakeside Memorial Chapel in Wakefield, Michigan is in charge of funeral arrangements. Condolences may be expressed online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.