Marie A. Lipiro's Obituary
Marie A. Lipiro (nee Cusmano), 92, of Middleburg Hts., passed away July 17, 2017.
Beloved wife of the late David I.; loving mother of David (Suzanne) and Sandra (Robert, deceased) Ward; cherished grandmother of Kristin (Alex) Brunner and Terri Ann (C. Anthony) Gordon and great-grandmother of Hugh, Phoebe and Alexandra Brunner; dear sister of the late John (Rosemarie) Cusmano. She touched the hearts of everyone she met and was loved and cherished by many.
All services private. Interment at Sunset Memorial Park, North Olmsted. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Parma Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 347321, Parma, OH 44134. dostalbokas.com
Remembrances of Mom
EVERYONE WHO KNEW HER LOVED HER. Her beautiful smile, her kindness, her precious nature, her gentleness, her sense of humor. So many people described Marie as the sweetest person they’ve ever met.
Marie was all about family. It was always her primary focus when we were small and p to her very last day. She loved all of us and was proud of all of us. She introduced us to the big band sounds of Harry James and the great classic Hollywood movies of the 40’s and 50’s that we will forever associate with her. And she cooked for ALL of us—traditional southern Italian foods that wowed us all, and as Sue, Dave’s wife says, “that we can never quite duplicate.”
She wasn’t a big talker, but she was the greatest listener, treating the ordinary things we would say like jewels of great oratory. And she showed her love in her actions, always deferring to others’ needs and desires. She adored her granddaughters and great-grandchildren and loved skyping with them. And Mom would often kid with Dave and tell his wife, Sue, that she loved Sue more than she loved Dave! And my sister-in-law, Marlene, would say that I was nice to have a mother in Marie again, after having lost her mother so many years ago.
When Mom’s health failed and she had to reside in a nursing home, the residents and staff quickly gravitated to her warmth. She made the best of her situation and grew to love the residents and looked for the good in each of them. She never had an unkind word for anyone. Ad they loved her because when Marie was wheeled into the activities room, they all knew that the fun was about to begin. She entertained everyone with her singing and joking around. The staff loved being assigned to her because she was so much fun to be around and made their job more pleasant.
When her granddaughter, Terri Ann, learned of Marie’s passing, she wrote on Instagram; “She worried way too much, loved her people dearly and made the best sautéed mushrooms, escarole and beans, and eggplant parmesan EVER (seriously, don’t argue with me on this one.) She was my introduction to the old musicals and Gene Kelly. She passed peacefully and that is all you can hope for.”
And her niece, Adele, wrote; “My memories of Aunt Marie are so positive. The wonderful Easters on Long Island with the huge Easter baskets. My Mom and Aunt Marie in the kitchen. Aunt Marie’s cooking, especially the delicious Italian sausage. She always remembered my birthday (and everyone else’s). A great loving mom, hardworking, considerate and compassionate person.”
Sandy’s son-in-law, Marty, wrote; “She made the best meatballs known to man!”
She cooked with love and gave to us her motherly gifts throughout our lives and we treasured her.
Her quick passing didn’t allow for suffering, and for God’s mercy we are all very grateful. One of Sandy’s choir friends reminded her that her mother is with her father and is of sound mind and body now. To know that she is in God’s care and free of the dementia that troubled her and free of pain and worry is our greatest comfort.
In the spirit of Mom, I would like her loved ones to be left with this final thought; a quote from one of Marie’s favorite classic movies, The Wizard of Oz, when the Wizard imparts to the Tin Man, “A heart is not judged by how much you love; but by how much you are loved by others.”
What’s your fondest memory of Marie?
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Share a story where Marie's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Marie you’ll never forget.
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