Mabel Carol Taranto, 87, Fontana, died Monday, Oct. 6, 2008 at her home surrounded by her family.

She was born Dec. 25, 1920, in Olathe to Roy and Leona Page.

To her seven children, she was known as Mom; to her friends, she was known as Carol. The name Carol came because of her Christmas Day birth.

Mabel graduated from Osawatomie High School with the class of 1939.

She was active in many organizations throughout her lifetime, including the Kansas

Quilter's Organization, Miami County Quilters Guild and Wednesday Quilters. She was the featured quilter of the annual Drag & Brag Quilt Show in September 2007.

Her passions were family, friends, quilting, and gardening. She made the best salsa, strawberry preserves and pound cake. She was employed at Katz Drug Co. in Kansas City, Mo., and Sutherlands in Paola.

She married Joseph A. Taranto on March 15, 1946 and was blessed with 49 years of marriage before he preceded her in death Sept. 4, 1995. She was also preceded in death by a sister, Mary Jane McCloskey, and a granddaughter.

Left to cherish her memories are her children; Patricia Cochran of Lee's Summit, Mo., Petrina Jennings of Grandview, Mo., Paula Hambleton of Fontana, Joseph Taranto of Belton, Mo., Pamela Allen of Pleasanton, the Rev. James Taranto of Independence, Mo., and John A. Taranto of Grandview; a brother, Kenneth Page of Lane; 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to noon today at her son's church, St. Mark's Catholic Church, 3736 Lee's Summit Road, Independence, Mo. followed by Mass of Christian Burial at noon with interment at Mt. Olivet Cemetery to follow.

Arrangements are through Muehlebach Funeral Home, (816)444-2060.