Marita A. Romano

Marita Ann Romano, 81, of Mandeville, LA, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at her home, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on August 5, 1944, to the late Cleveland L. Ussery and Mary Rita Huber. She is preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, Clifford Konneker and Charles Konneker, Jr.

Marita was born in New Orleans and raised in the Gentilly neighborhood. She graduated from St. James High School. Marita met Frank Sr. when she was 10 years old while in grammar school. They were married in 1963 and were happily married for 62 years. Together, they lived and raised three sons in New Orleans East.

Marita first worked as an X-ray Technician at Hotel Dieu Hospital. She later decided to start her own business. To say Marita and Frank were entrepreneurs is an understatement. Together, they owned several businesses, including Forest Park Academy, a private school in New Orleans East which they operated for 10 years. Marita also owned and operated Kinder Kastle, an early childhood education and day care center, for over 30 years. She spent most of her career in early childhood education, loved her students, and wanted the very best for them. Retirement was never an option for Marita. She worked at a variety of jobs, including Sam’s Club, and her last job was at T.J. Maxx.

Marita was a member of the Italian/Sicilian/American Ladies Social Club and a former president. She was also a charter member of the Krewe of Pontchartrain Carnival Club, where she became the official videographer. In addition, she was an active member of Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church and participated in the St. Joseph’s Altar, as well as several other clubs and organizations throughout her life.

Family meant everything to Marita. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, godmother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend to so many. Her legacy lives on in all of us, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Marita is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, Frank Romano, Sr.; her sons, Paul Romano, Frank Romano, Jr., and Michael Romano; grandchildren: Ashly, Joseph, Marki, Michael Jr., Tracie, Matthew, Nicholas, Dylan, Dalton, Kepha, Daniyel, Elianah, and Abigail; great-grandchildren: Reese, Roman, Kaleah, Royal, Elliot, Enzo, Gloria, and Mia; sisters: Liz Ussery Stone, Charla Konneker, and C. Phillip (Phil) Ussery. Marita also leaves behind a host of friends and extended family to cherish her memory.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, from 11 am until 1 pm at the Grace Funeral Home (450 Holy Trinity Drive, Covington). A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1 pm on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at the Grace Funeral Home. Graveside Services will follow at Lakelawn Metairie Cemetery.