Lilliana Flora Santuccio Viglino

March 3, 1936 - February 19, 2026

On February 19, 2026, our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Lilly Viglino, passed away peacefully in McKinney, Texas, just shy of her 90th birthday, surrounded by her loving family.

Lilly was born on March 3, 1936, in Tripoli, Libya, into a large Italian family. She treasured her childhood memories of life by the sea, her close-knit siblings, and the dear friends who filled her years with joy. She especially loved recounting the story of being honored with the title of Miss Tripoli, a testament to her beauty, poise, and radiant spirit.

On her birthday, March 3, 1958, Lilly married the love of her life, Silvio T. Viglino, in Tripoli. Together they built a beautiful life. They first moved to Vicenza, Italy, where they welcomed their daughter, Anna Maria. In 1960, they settled in St. Louis, Missouri, where their second daughter, Silvia Lilliana, was born. Lilly was a devoted and loving mother who ensured her daughters were always deeply cared for and unconditionally loved.

Known for her elegance, warmth, and gift for hospitality, Lilly delighted in entertaining. She was especially famous among friends and family for her lively Cous Cous parties where music, laughter, and extraordinary food filled the Viglino home. Her greatest joy, however, was her family.

Lilly’s greatest joys in life were her grandchildren: Alexandra Lilliana Sinacola (Jimmy), Nicholas Freeman Sheppard (Madi), Nina Allard Ishmael (Brian), and Jared Donald Allard (Liz). She was further blessed with nine great-grandchildren: Lilliana Scout, James Mario, Sheppard Stone, Lucia Lynn, Silvie Mary, Joseph Dow, Robert (Buck) Davis, Hallie Jean, and Gianna Maria, with one more precious great-granddaughter on the way. Lilly cherished every moment spent with them and never showed up for a visit without thoughtful gifts in hand.

She adored her sons-in-law, Chip Sheppard and Don Allard, whom she loved as her own.

Lilly’s cherished friendship with Maria Grazia Hayes was a beautiful sisterhood. Together, they were the Italian version of Lucy and Ethel, their laughter and loyalty to one another a friendship that was truly a gift from God.

Lilly was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Silvio T. Viglino; her parents, Maria and Girolomo Santuccio; her brothers, Giovanni and Franco; and her sisters, Lucia, Lina, Mafalda, and Italia. She was the youngest of the Santuccio siblings. She was also preceded in death by Giovanni Viglino, Giovanni Fernandez, Alda Tussis, Sophia Tussis and dear friend Carmen Newell.

A lifelong lover of the sea, Lilly traveled often and found particular joy in Positano and along the Amalfi Coast. Anywhere by the water felt like home. Swimming was a passion she maintained throughout her life, completing her “30 laps” well into her later years. She also played competitive tennis, loved long walks on the beach collecting shells, and embraced an active life that allowed her to keep up with her growing family.

Lilly’s faith in God was the quiet foundation of her life. She believed deeply in the power of prayer and carried a strong sense of spirituality that sustained her through life’s joys and hardships. Her trust in God gave her strength, resilience, and peace. She was a devoted believer and always kept her Madonna and rosary close by.

Lilly will be remembered for the love she poured into her family, her vibrant spirit, her strength, her deep faith, and her warmth and unwavering zest for life. We trust that she has been welcomed into eternal peace and reunited with those who have gone before her.

A celebration of life will be held at Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church at 1914 Ridgevew Drive, Allen, Texas 75013 at 11:00a.m. on April 1, 2026.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to CASA of Collin County would be greatly appreciated.