Maureen Caniglia

1929 - 2025

Maureen Caniglia

November 28, 1929 - August 22, 2025

Maureen Caniglia, 95 of Mason City, passed away surrounded by her beloved children on August 22, 2025 at her home.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 3rd St NE, Mason City from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. A Scriptural Wake service will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m, Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at Epiphany Parish Holy Family Catholic Church, 722 N. Adams Ave., Mason City.

A Memorial Service will follow on Friday, September 5, at 10 a.m. at Heafey-Hoffman-Dworak and Cutler Mortuary, 7805 W. Center Rd., Omaha. Inurnment will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Omaha.

Born November 28, 1929, in Omaha, Nebraska, to John and Mary Reefe, Maureen lived a life rich in devotion to her family, her community, and her many passions.

A graduate of Cathedral High School in Omaha, it was there she met her lifelong partner and future husband, Ross Caniglia. The two were united in marriage on August 18, 1951, in Omaha. Shortly after their wedding, Ross was drafted into the U.S. Army and deployed to serve during the Korean War. That first Christmas apart inspired Maureen to begin collecting Santas; an endeavor that became a lifelong joy. Over the decades, her collection flourished, and for the last 25 years she and a beloved group of friends made an annual Christmas trip to Rochester, Minn., to "visit Santa," a tradition she cherished deeply.

Above all, Maureen was a devoted mother to their children, Deborah and Scott. Though she was college-educated, she chose to dedicate their early years to staying home and raising their children. Later, she partnered with Ross in managing Ross' Hallmark and Jewelry in the Willowbrook Mall in Mason City. Together, they also developed Regency Shopping Mall and several residential neighborhoods in Mason City.

Maureen gave generously of her time and talents to the community. She was an active member of many organizations including Fab Bridge Club, Sorosis Study Club, Pigskin Pickers (her fantasy football league of over 40 years), Mason City Woman's Club, League of Women Voters, Republican Women during the 1970s and '80s, The Golden Girls, and the Mason City Country Club.

Her faith was central to her life; she was a devoted parishioner of Holy Family Catholic Church, serving in the Ladies Guild and as a member of the St. Theresa Circle. For over 25 years, she was part of "Mixed Nuts," a prayer group where women of many faiths gathered in friendship and faith.

A proud Irishwoman who married a full-blooded Sicilian, Maureen embodied dignity, positivity, and graciousness. She was an ardent supporter of the arts, with a special love for the Guthrie Theatre, NIACC Performing Arts, and the MacNider Art Museum. She traveled extensively and was a steadfast and loving supporter of Rossi and his many endeavors. She delighted in becoming a grandmother and great grandmother and cherished the time spent with her girls, Taylor, Spencer, and Parker Mae.

Maureen will be remembered for her warmth, elegance, and unwavering devotion to family and friends. She lived with kindness and purpose, always carrying herself with the lady like grace that defined her life.

She will be greatly missed by her children, Deborah Caniglia, London, UK and Scott (Mary) Caniglia, Omaha; her granddaughters, Taylor (Michael) Monahan and their daughter, Parker Mae, and Spencer Caniglia; her brother, Jack Reefe, Omaha; and many nieces; nephews; extended family and many cherished friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ross Caniglia; brother, Dr. William Reefe; and sister, Joan Heafey.

Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel

126 3rd St NE

Mason City, IA

ColonialChapels.com

(641)423-2372