Mariella "Mare" June Gianino

Mariella June Gianino, our sweet girl, left this world wrapped in our arms on July 14, 2023 after a courageous battle with leukemia. 

Loving daughter of Dominic and Jaclyn Gianino, adored little sister of Corrina and twin brother, Luca. Dearest granddaughter of Ty and the late Mary Jo Raines, and Stephen and the late Stephanie Gianino, and Jan Muschler. Dearest niece, cousin, and daycare friend. 

Mare knew bravery from the very beginning of her life. On November 22, 2021, by one whole minute, little Mare (Baby A) became our middle child. She paved the way for her younger, but bigger, brother. From the start, Mare showed us patience and grace as our family navigated three children under the age of two. She quickly became the baby girl that everyone fell madly in love with, that is, if big sister Coco let anyone near her. 

Although half of Mare’s life was spent in and out of the hospital, she lived fully, and loved wholeheartedly every single day. She played through chemotherapy treatments, snoozed through testing, and had nurses fighting over her. Mare embodied joy and resiliency in her tremendous fight, and quickly gained the nickname, “Mighty Mare”. 

Mare found joy in the little things in life: french fries, Ted Drewes, and Bomb Pops to name a few. She would belly laugh at the sight of Elmo, and never passed up an opportunity to play peek-a-boo. Mare always felt her best when her twin brother and big sister were near. Her favorite hangout spot was snuggled in our arms while watching Disney movies. 

We are lost without our beautiful baby girl, but will carry her indelible spirit, strength, light and love with us until we are able to hold her again. 

Services:

Visitation on Thursday, July 27, 2023 10:00am-12:00pm. 

Funeral Mass to follow at 12:00pm.

Both services to take place at St. Gabriel the Archangel Church

6303 Nottingham Ave., St. Louis, MO 63109. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Gwendolyn’s Gifts Charity. 

“Gwendolyn’s Gifts mission is to provide emotional support and financial support to families of children on palliative and/or hospice care in the St. Louis region and surrounding areas.” 

6209 Mid Rivers Mall Ste 124

St. Peters, MO 63304

www.gwendolynsgifts.org