July 15th, 1946 – August 21st, 2023

Marie Elaine Lages, (Cunetto) age 77 of St. Louis passed away August 21,2023.  Beloved daughter of the late Vincent and Alma Cunetto; Dear sister to Phyllis Persechini (Cunetto); Dear mother of Michael Lages and Richard Lages; Dear mother-in-law to Jennifer Lages and Michelle Lages; Beloved grandmother to Kayela Lages, Cassie Nguyen (Vincent), Kyle Lages, TJ Lages (Jamie), Nikolai Lages, Briana Lages, and Justin (Kaitlyn) Williams; Great Grandmother to Ryleigh and Josephine Nguyen and Atlas Lages; and dear friend to many; lover of great food (she was a fantastic cook) and her cats. 

Elaine, born July 15, 1946, was the oldest of two daughters born to Vince and Alma Cunnetto. She graduated from Webster Groves high school in 1965. In 1977, she went to work in the senior care industry. She worked at, managed, and even directed several communities in the St Louis area, such as Tower Grove Manor and Orchard House. She also directed a community in San Diego for a few years. 

In the 1990’s, she started working in residential realty for the Gundaker Group. This ultimately led to her final position in her professional career, in the commercial realty industry at THF Realties. She retired from THF in 2013. 

She had many interests and was a fierce friend to many. She had a unique and clever sense of humor that could often catch you by surprise. She was an excellent cook and thoroughly enjoyed cooking- the process and the product- as well as sharing meals with her loved ones. She was an avid reader and enjoyed the St Charles and St Louis Counties Public Library systems. 

She has been a strong advocate for the environment and supported many initiatives throughout the years. She was an ardent recycler and an original re-user. However, her nearest and dearest cause was the Open Door Animal Sanctuary in High Ridge. She contributed to the shelter, as well as adopting older cats from them in the latter years of her life. 

There will be a private graveside ceremony and internment on Friday, October 13th at St Lucas Cemetery in Sunset Hills. Following will be a Memorial Open House at the home of her youngest son, Michael- 5643 Banez Dr, St Louis, MO, 63128- from 1 pm – 4:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in her memory to Open Door Animal Sanctuary, or an environmental charity of your choosing.