Obituary for Mary Cipollone

Sister of Bob Mihovk of Mihovk-Rosenacker Funeral Home

Mary Elizabeth Cipollone (nee Mihovk) passed away peacefully on Friday March 29, 2024, at the age of 60, after a brave battle with brain cancer. She was born May 5th, 1963, in Cleveland, OH, to the late Daniel and Elizabeth Mihovk (nee Riedel). 

Mary is survived by her loving daughters, Elizabeth S. Cipollone and Erin H. (Stuart) Mansell and granddaughter Adeline Mansell. 

Mary was the beloved “baby” of the family, leaving behind siblings Donald (Nanette), Robert (Karen), Margeaux (Richard) Kimbler, Thomas (Mary Beth), Patricia, and Daniel (Maura) and boyfriend David Hofner. She was much loved aunt to a host of nieces and nephews, and cherished being a great aunt to their children. 

Mary was raised in Parma, OH. After earning her degree from Kent State University, she married the love of her life, the late Michael D. Cipollone. Mike and Mary started a family and lived in love until Michael’s sudden passing in 1998. Mary raised their daughters and got her Master’s degree in Technology all while teaching full time. After starting her career at Holy Family and later St. Leo the Great Schools, Mary switched to Greenbriar Middle School and taught there until her recent retirement. There she met lifelong friends, earned the respect of her students and peers, and will be remembered as a much beloved teacher. 

Mary enjoyed traveling, yoga, and gardening in her off time and always loved time spent with her family. She enjoyed a unique bond with her daughters and an unmatched love. Elizabeth and Erin feel blessed to have had such a strong woman raise them and show them how to live with strength, dignity, and grace. She will always remain their biggest inspiration and role model. 

Mary leaves behind a legacy of strength, humor, quick wit, and love. She beat the odds by living with a brain tumor for 22 years, an anomaly to some of her doctors. We thank the Cleveland Clinic Taussig Center, Cincinnati Children’s Proton Therapy Center, and all who cared for her while she battled this disease with grace and dignity. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in memory of Mary to the new Neurological Building at Cleveland Clinic. Gifts can be made online by following this link or sent by mail to: Cleveland Clinic Foundation, P.O. BOX 931517, Cleveland, Ohio 44193-1655.

Friends will be received at Ripepi Funeral Home 5762 Pearl Rd. (at Snow Rd.), Parma, OH., Friday April 5, 2024 from 4:00 – 7:00PM. Mass of Christian Burial Saturday April 6, 2024 at 10:00AM at St. Charles Borromeo Church, 5891 Ridge Rd. Parma. Please Meet at Church.