Mary Mae Dellsperger Berkowitz Famularo

Mary Mae Dellsperger Berkowitz Famularo, 82, passed away on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. She was born in New Orleans and raised in Jefferson Parish. She attended St. Agnes Elementary School, East Jefferson High School, and graduated from the University of New Orleans.

She worked for the State of Louisiana Motor Vehicle Commission as an inspector of compliance and retired from that position. Mary loved to travel around the USA and later to Italy. Her special place was Taormina, Sicily. She loved to drive our Corvette. Speed and curves were not a challenge. She drove US Highway 129 “The Tail of the Dragon” many times along with numerous racetracks including The Atlanta Motor Speedway, Talladega, The Circuit of the Americas and her favorite, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Mary enjoyed the camaraderie of and travelling with the Corvette community. She was a member of several Corvette clubs. There was a special place in her heart for her home club, Crescent City Corvette Club, where she served as a member of the board, treasurer, vice president and president for four years.

Mary is survived by her husband, Felix J. Famularo; her sons, Felix J. Famularo, Jr. (Deidra), Wayne Berkowitz (Sloan) and Michael Berkowitz; her daughter, Judith Suminski; five grandchildren, William, Timothy, Matthew, Olivia and Amy; four great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John William “Bill” Dellsperger and Mae Emily Lester Dellsperger and her brothers, John William Dellsperger, Jr. and Charles Harry Dellsperger.

Col. Mary Berkowitz joined the Civil Air Patrol in 1958, embarking on a more than 67-year journey defined by selfless service and visionary leadership. As a cadet, she attended multiple encampments and special activities. As an adult, she was assigned as a state employee in an administrative position with the Civil Air Patrol and was instrumental in developing what was to become the Wing Administrator position. As a senior member, she participated as a representative with the International Air Cadet Exchange (IACE) program, served in multiple positions and was, for years, a fully qualified mission coordinator. As an exemplary leader, she served as Louisiana Wing Chief of Staff, Louisiana Wing Vice Commander, and Louisiana Wing Commander from October 1998 through April 2003.

After Wing command, Mary continued to serve as Louisiana Wing’s finance officer, and as the Southwest Region finance officer as well as a senior advisor to subsequent Wing Commanders.

During her time in Civil Air Patrol, Col. Berkowitz earned multiple awards, including numerous Wing Commander and Region Commander Commendations, and the Distinguished, Exceptional, and Meritorious Service Awards. In recognition of her exceptional leadership and service to the Louisiana Wing, during the 2026 conference, the Wing Commander announced the inaugural “Col. Mary Berkowitz Squadron Officer of the Year” award.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home, 4747 Veterans Memorial Blvd. in Metairie from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM followed by a Memorial Mass. Interment will be in Metairie Cemetery.

The family invites you to share your thoughts, fond memories, and condolences online at www.leitzeaganfuneralhome.com.