Margaret C. Dentino, 80, of Peoria, passed away at 8:43 p.m. on Monday, June 13, 2011, at home, with her family by her side.
     Her Mass of Christian Burial will be at 1 p.m. on Friday, June 17, 2011, at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Peoria Heights, with her son, Father Darren Dentino, as celebrant and Monsignor William Watson and Fr. Thomas E. Taylor as concelebrants. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 16, 2011, at St. Thomas, with Recitation of the Rosary at 7 p.m. Entombment will be in Resurrection Mausoleum in Peoria.
     Margaret was born in Peoria on April 28, 1931, a daughter of William Andrew and Marie A. (Reuter) Crowley. They preceded her in death, along with her brothers, Jerome and Bill, and three grandchildren. She married Michael Patrick Dentino, Jr. on October 23, 1954 at St. Mark Catholic Church in Peoria. He survives.
     She is also survived by her children, Michael III (Debra Duzinskas) of Beijing, Deirdre (Gregory) Clemons of Germantown Hills, Domine (John) King of Normal, Dianna (John Gielow) of Milwaukee, Dr. Andrew (Monica) of Milwaukee, D’Arcy Conley of Peoria, Matthew of Waynesville, OH, Fr. Darren of Guadalajara, Douglas (Terilyn) of Plymouth, MI and Dr. Daniel of Naples, FL; sister, Angela Kenny of Peoria; thirty-five grandchildren; and one great grandson.
     Margaret graduated from Bradley University in 1953, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology. While attending Bradley, she was a member of the Pi Beta Phi Sorority.
     She served as the Assistant Activities Director for St. Joseph’s Home in West Peoria from 1988 until its closing. She was formerly a kindergarten teacher at Loucks Grade School and served as a substitute teacher for District 150.
     Margaret was a parishioner at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Peoria Heights and served in their After School Care program. She was also a member of the Catholic Women’s League.
     She also served as a Hospice volunteer, taught “White Gloves and Party Manners/Blue Blazers” at Bergner’s Department Store and was Miss Marg on “Romper Room” that aired throughout Central Illinois on WIRL TV.
     Margaret loved her grandkids, feeding people, shopping and St. Mark’s Stunt Show, with her sister, Angela. She enjoyed Big Band music, “May You Always”, The “Dentino Family Act”, collecting family pictures and spending time in her kitchen or sitting in a chair talking on the phone. She received her greatest enjoyment in life from attending weddings, graduations, adorations, Mass and raising her ten children…very well.
     She will be remembered for her great sense of humor, her loving heart, her faithfulness, her giving heart, her strong faith and for her gift of making everyone feel special. She was very endearing when she spoke and when she listened.
     Memorial contributions may be made in Margaret’s memory to Missionary of Charity Fathers in Guadalajara or St. Thomas the Apostle Church.
     Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Clary Funeral Home, 428 West McClure Avenue, in Peoria. 

Marg was the most precious sister anyone could ever have, and when she was about two and Billy and I were four we claimed her as our triplet, and thus began the happiest relationship siblings could have.  We did everything together, we shared everything we had and we loved each other.  When we grew up and married, we shared our families, with our older brother Jerome's family too.  This closeness is what has helped us through this very sad time.  We love you and miss you so much, Marg.

My fondest memories of Aunt Marg are so many it would take a book.  I love that she treated everyone like family.  I loved her the moment I met her.  She was amazing, unselfish and loving.  Her unconditional love for her family and humanity in general leaves an example to follow.  She was and still is my hero.  I love you dearly Marg C. Dentino.
Ann