Mary Vecchio Inkel was born on November 9, 2025, in Syracuse, New York. Mary passed away at 3:54PM on Sunday, March 1, 2026. She lived to be over 100 years old. She was born to Luigi Vecchio and Isabella Tortorici Vecchio, both from Castiglioni, Sicily.
Mary earned her bachelor’s degree in music from University of Syracuse at Rochester where she studied music, opera singing and piano. Afterwards, Mary, along with her parents and younger sister Benedetta moved to California.
Mary became an elementary school teacher and taught for over 40 years. Especially once she retired, she was an amazingly talented artist; often she was seen at craft fairs with her husband, Guy, who enjoyed helping Mary get her tole painting items together to be sold with proceeds going to a children’s orphanage in Italy.
Mary was married to Guy Inkel for over 60 years. They had one son, Joseph Anthony Inkel and beautiful daughter-in-law, Stacie Dawn Inkel.
Mary’s famous saying was “The only thing that matters in this life is that we get to Heaven.” Mary was a devout Catholic and she said the Rosary every day. Mary will be remembered always – We have wonderful memories of her that will linger on as fresh in our minds for our life long.
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at Christ the King Catholic Church, 1505 Main Street in Daphne, AL, at 11AM. There will be a time of visitation before the service begins, beginning at 10AM. Celebrant for the Mass will be Rev. Matthew O’Connor.
Burial will take place on Monday, March 9, 2026, at the Alabama State Veterans Memorial Cemetery, in Spanish Fort, AL, at 10AM.
Hughes Funeral Home, 26209 Pollard Road, Daphne, AL, is assisting the family.
Dearest Tony and Stacie, please receive my heartfelt condolences for the passing of your dear mother Mary. I’m so proud of everything you did for your mother Mary, your strength and caring was above and beyond. I know she was looking down on you at this time and giving you her blessings for being such a devoted son. Be brave my loves.
Mary you’re covered in roses
You’re covered in ashes
You’re covered in rain
You’re covered in babies
You’re covered in slashes
You’re covered in wilderness
You’re covered in stains
You cast aside the sheet
You cast aside the shroud
Of another man
Who served the world proud
You greet another son
You lose another one
On some sunny day
And always you stay
Mary
Jesus says Mother I couldn’t stay another day longer
He flies right by and leaves a kiss upon her face
While the angels are singing his praises in a blaze of glory
Mary stays behind and starts cleaning up the place
Oh Mary she moves behind me
She leaves her fingerprints everywhere
Everytime the snow drifts
Every way the sand shifts
Even when the night lifts
She’s always there
Jesus says Mother I couldn’t stay another day longer
He flies right by and leaves a kiss upon her face
While the angels are singing his praises in a blaze of glory
Mary stays behind and starts cleaning up the place
Mary you’re covered in roses
You’re covered in ruins
You’re covered in secrets
You’re covered in treetops
You’re covered in birds
who can sing a million songs
Without any words
You cast aside the sheet
You cast aside the shroud
Of another man
Who served the world proud
You greet another son
You lose another one
On some sunny day
And always you stay
Mary, Mary, Mary