Mary Spiller

Mary Frances Spiller, of Florissant, MO, passed away Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at the age of 100. Beloved wife of the late Howard W. Spiller; cherished daughter of the late Dominick and Frances Gagliarducci; devoted mother of Michael (Tori Spiller) Spiller and Warren (Christa) Spiller; loving grandmother of Katie (Derrick) Woodring, Daniel (Rachel) Spiller, Annie (John) Campbell, Amanda (Jerrod Gehrin) Spiller, Emily (Jon) Hartsell, Theresa Spiller and Vanessa Spiller; treasured great-grandmother of 14.

Born to Italian immigrant parents, Dominick and Frances Gagliarducci, Mary was no stranger to hard work and entrepreneurship. Early life was spent with her sister and best friend, Theresa in Walnut Park. They would both become "Harvey Girls" together at Union Station, serving meals to hundreds of service men during WWII, propelling Mary's lifelong work in the service industry and as one of the longest-living Harvey Girl's. 

Meeting the love of her life Howard Spiller, they were married in 1946 and raised two sons, Michael and Warren in North County. Together they built and grew a successful fried chicken restaurant in the 60's named Kwick Chick, with locations in Florissant, Ferguson and St. Charles. In 1974, they took their entrepreneurial spirit a step further by opening The Old Homestead Restaurant in Bellefontaine, a homestyle fried chicken restaurant located in the historic Twillman House. It became a beloved local establishment, a legacy of their hard work and dedication. 

Mary's fierce tenacity and determined spirit made her successful in her life and these traits were passed down to her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her great love for animals, especially cats, was her trademark along with her love of dancing, her favorite pastime. 

Mary had many friends and loved ones over the course of her 100 years and she made sure to let you know if you were her "favorite". Mary was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Memorials may be made in Mary's name to Five Acres Animal Shelter 1099 Pralle Lane, St. Charles MO 63303.