Marie Lena (Anesi) Cuculich, 89, of Kirksville, Missouri, passed away Tuesday (December 18, 2012) at Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville.

The daughter of Emanuel and Orsela (Dallifor) Anesi, she was born June 11, 1923 in Novinger, Missouri. On March 27, 1945 in Hot Springs, Arkansas, Marie was united in marriage to Frank Cuculich who preceded her in death on March 17, 1991.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Alfred Anesi and one grandson, Jamie Cuculich.

Marie is survived by two sons, Frankie Cuculich and wife Lesa of Brashear, MO and Larry Cuculich and friend, Janet Sullivan of Novinger, MO; two daughters, Kathy Stephenson and husband, Bill of Kirksville, MO and Tina Hubbard of Kirksville, MO; five grandchildren, Dustin Stephenson and wife Rolena, Tessa Carson and husband, Nick, Logan Hubbard, Landon Hubbard and Chloe Hubbard, as well as four great-grandchildren, Brody, Dalton and Colton Cuculich and Dane Stephenson.

Marie was a graduate from Novinger High School with the Class of 1942. She resided most of her life in Novinger until moving to Kirksville in 1984. Marie was employed for Florsheim Shoe Factory, owned a Dime Store in Novinger, owned Cuculich Grocery Store several years, returned to Florsheim Shoe Factory where she was employed until her retirement. After retiring, Marie worked at Wal-Mart as a door greeter.

She enjoyed going to the V.F.W. dances and will be remembered for being a great cook.

Marie was a member of the St. Rose Catholic Church in Novinger.

Public visitation will be held Thursday (December 20, 2012) from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., with a Wake service held at 6:30 p.m. in the chapel of Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00 a.m. Friday (December 21, 2012) at St. Rose Catholic Church in Novinger, with Father Chris Cordes presiding. Interment will follow Mass at Novinger Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Frankie Grgurich, Gene Grgurich, Andy Grgurich, Eddie Grgurich, Earl Goodwin and David McFarland.

Expressions of sympathy in memory of Marie Cuculich may be made to the St. Rose Catholic Church. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.