Sylvia M. Moallankamp, nee Pretto, 77, of Columbia, died Feb. 6, 2015 in St. Louis, Mo.

She was born Dec. 4, 1937, in Columbia, daughter of the late Giosue and Anna M. Pretto, nee Aimerito. She was married to Lawrence D. Moallankamp Sr., who survives her. They were married Aug. 30, 1952 in Columbia.

Sylvia was a lover of animals and all things nature. She was most happy tending to her garden, or being outside with her husband, Lawrence. She was a hard working farmer and housewife, physically tough as nails, but the most gentle of souls. Her greatest joy was her family, whom she thoughtfully cared for and generously provided an abundance of delicious cookies, pies, and most of all love. She touched so many hearts, and leaves behind a lifetime of memories and laughter, and a legacy as a beautiful, loving Italian woman whom we are all so proud to have known and loved. She was a member of Living Water Church in Cahokia.

Also surviving are children, Charlotte (John) Barker of Columbia, Debra (Steve) Puckett of Columbia, Lawrence (Lori) Moallankamp, Jr. of Columbia, Rose (Joe) Everett of Dupo, Barbara Moallankamp of Columbia; eight grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild; beloved bird, Spunky; brothers and sisters, Martha (Glenn) Hoffmeister of Chesterfield, Mo., Rose Anne Hasek of Lake St. Louis, Mo., Richard Pretto of Columbia, Gloria Sollee of Hecker, Alice (Charles) Klein of Columbia, Giosue (Jean) Pretto of St. Louis, Mo., Susan (James) Heller of Lakeside, Calif., William (Kaye) Pretto of Columbia, Laurence Pretto of Columbia, Thomas Pretto of New Baden, sister-in-law, Lisa Pretto of Columbia, many other relatives and friends.

She was also preceded in death by her granddaughter, Trudy Everett, brothers, Dennis “Jerry” and John Pretto, other relatives and friends.

Visitation will take place 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 14, at Lawlor Funeral Home in Columbia.

A memorial service will take place at 1 p.m. Feb. 14 at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to the Humane Society of Monroe County, P.O. Box 164, Waterloo, IL 62298, or the American Cancer Society, #5 Schiber Ct., Maryville, IL 62062.