She was born on August 10, 1926, in the town of Trabia in Sicily, Italy. Mary was raised in Sicily where she met the love of her life, Pasquale LaSusa, and they married on December 28, 1946. They had 68 wonderful years together until his passing in 2015 and are now reunited in Heaven.
Mary and Pasquale emigrated to the United States in 1954 where Mary worked as a seamstress for several years. She lovingly made her children’s clothing—pants, shirts, dress shirts, and even winter coats. Mary and Pasquale then opened the first Papa’s Gondola Restaurant in 1971 using family recipes passed down to each of them. The restaurant was very successful and a mainstay in the community for years.
Mary enjoyed traveling and wintering at their home in Spring Hill, Florida, escaping the cold Ohio winters. Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, was another favorite place to visit. She carefully tended to her flowers and gardens, and to say she loved shopping is an understatement. Football games were lively in the LaSusa household and Mary was an avid Ohio State Buckeyes fan. Most of all, she loved family get-togethers where her home-cooked dishes filled the tables and no one left hungry.
A wonderful wife, mother and grandmother, Mary dedicated her life to her home, her husband, her family and her deep Catholic faith. She leaves a legacy that will be treasured by all.
Mary is survived by two sons, Tony LaSusa and Pat (Dawn) LaSusa; four grandchildren, Patrick (Julie) LaSusa, Tiffany LaSusa, Phillip LaSusa, and Tyler (Liana) LaSusa; three great-grandchildren, Michael, Olivia and Lorenzo LaSusa; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Pasquale LaSusa; parents, Maria and Antonino Chirico; son, Fred (June) LaSusa; brothers, Salvatore (Pat) Chirico and Mariano (Virginia) Chirico; and sisters, Angie (Jack) Stephenson, Rose (Joe) Parrella, and Amilia (Ivan) Miller.
The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 pm on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at Wappner Funeral Directors and Crematory-Ontario, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Road. A Vigil Service will be recited by Deacon John Reef at 7:00 pm. Father Kishore Kottana will be the provider for the Mass of Christian Burial held at St. Peter Parish, 60 S. Mulberry St., Mansfield, on Wednesday at 11:00 am. She will be laid to rest beside her husband in Mansfield Cemetery.
