Mary Alice Malesardi

Mary Alice (Hixson) Malesardi, 89, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend, passed peacefully Thursday, April 10, 2025 on Daniel Island, South Carolina following complications of Parkinson’s disease. 

Throughout her life, Mary Alice’s bright spirit radiated, spreading joy to those lucky enough to know her. 

Mary Alice was born April 7, 1936 to Ethel and Dumont Hixson, in Monroe, Michigan, where she grew up alongside her sister, Sally, and brother, Rusty. She graduated with a degree in home economics from St. Mary’s College in Notre Dame, Indiana. It was there, in the student center, she met the love of her life, Richard. 

As a newlywed, she was a teacher in New Jersey before she and Dick started a family and moved to Virginia. They ultimately settled in Arlington, where she became a dedicated homemaker, mother, volunteer and entrepreneur. 

She and Dick shared a 65-year marriage, filled with laughter, joy and love — raising four adoring children. 

Mary Alice fully embraced life. She had a wide circle of friends and a vibrant social life, loved entertaining, and was known for her infectious smile and bellowing laugh. She belonged to a “stitchers” group, was a proud member of the “Farm-ettes” birthday group, was an avid bridge player and dabbled at golf (and even got a hole-in-one that “didn’t count” at Washington Golf & Country Club).

Mary Alice was a devout Catholic who lived her faith. She was a long-time member of the Service League of Northern Virginia and served in many volunteer roles, including with the Dominion Guild and Catholic Charities, where she was co-chair of the Catholic Charities Ball. She and a close friend bought and ran Tree Top Toys for many years. 

She loved traveling with Dick and friends around the globe, ultimately visiting more than 35 countries. They split their time after retirement between Arlington, the family beach house in Bethany Beach, Delaware and as snowbirds in Jupiter, Florida, before moving in 2022 to South Carolina.

Mary Alice found her greatest joy in moments shared with her loved ones. One of her favorite pastimes was “gallivanting” with family; it didn’t matter what they did, what mattered most was simply enjoying time together. Her evenings were often spent with a glass of Chardonnay in her hand, surrounded by loved ones and laughter.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 65 years, Richard; son, Michael Malesardi (Kelly), and daughters Patty Evanko (George), Amy Justis and Maryann Malesardi; and four cherished grandchildren — who lovingly called her “Goggy” — Michael and Matthew Evanko, and Harper and Harry Malesardi. An infant son, David, predeceased her.

Visitation is Monday, April 21, 5 to 7 p.m. at Advent Funeral Home, 7211 Route 29, Falls Church, VA 22046. A funeral mass will be held Tuesday, April 22 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Ann Catholic Church, 5300 N. 10th Street, Arlington, VA 22205, with a private burial at Columbia Gardens following the service. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her name to Catholic Charities of Northern Virginia, 200 N. Glebe Road, Suite 250, Arlington, VA 22203.