1927 -- 2009

Mariellen Scapecchi, beloved wife of Bruno, mother of Bruce (Judy), Nana to Michael and Divya (husband, Luke) Silbaugh, and proud great-grandmother to Ayden, Devin and McKayla Silbaugh, reached God's eternal peace at the Kavanagh Hospice House in Des Moines, Iowa on Monday, Feb. 16, 2009.

Mariellen was born in Kenosha, Wis., on July 30, 1927, to Bertha and Henry Gulbransen. She was educated in Kenosha schools, graduating from Kenosha High School.

On Aug. 30, 1947, she married Bruno Scapecchi of Highwood, Ill. They enjoyed a full and wonderful life together. Bruno was an agent for 33 years with the Mutual of Omaha and won many trips. Mariellen and Bruno were avid golfers, playing as many golf courses as possible in the United States and Europe.

Mariellen was a 30 year employee with the U.S. Government. First with the IRS and then the Department of Agriculture.

Mariellen is also survived by her siblings, Henry (wife, Angenette) of Batavia, Robert (wife, Dorothy) of Napa Valley, Calif., and Charles Gulbransen; as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bruno; her parents; brothers, Gene and Richard Gulbransen and sister Cynthia Meurer.

Memorial donations may be made to the Grace Lutheran Food Pantry 714 E Capitol Ave, Springfield, Ill., 62701.

Please visit Mariellen's online lifestory at

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