Mary Virginia (Lockert) DiSalvo

Mary DiSalvo was born in Clarksville, Tennessee from Scottish parents. She was the eldest of three children, surviving her two siblings, Peggy Offen & Lonnie Lockert. During her childhood, in addition to living in Clarksville, she lived in Kentucky, Alabama & Mississippi. Mary was a Christian and a believer, attending the Church of Christ from the time she was a child.

Mary graduated from Clarksville High School in 1945, then went to work for the Southern Bell Telephone Company, In Clarksville.

Shortly after, she met her husband, Pietrino (Peter) DiSalvo, at a roller rink. Peter was in the army and stationed near Clarksville at Ft. Campbell Kentucky. Within two weeks of meeting, they were married on April 12, 1947. After marrying they left Tennessee and moved to Brooklyn, New York, which was Peter's home, and where their first child was born, Joanna Maria. A few years later, they made their home in Detroit, Michigan. Peter worked at General Motors until retiring. They had five children, Joanna Maria, Virginia Lee, Peter David, Mario Anthony and Tina Louise. They also had 13 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, and 9 great-great grandchildren. Mary worked for the J L Hudson Company, in Detroit. as a telephone PBX operator well into her 70's.

Mary and Peter were married for 45 years until their divorce in 1985. Mary continued to be devoted to Peter for many years after the divorce. She especially enjoyed visiting her hometown in Clarksville. She also enjoyed home cooked southern feed, including ham, potato salad, baked beans, cornbread, loaded with butter, & baked in a cast iron skillet, coconut cake, and sweet iced tea. She learned how to cook Italian foods from her Mother-in-law, who was from Italy.

Mary was an avid reader, reading at least a book a week. She loved to visit the circus when it came to town and going to the movies. Her hobbies included, listening to music, drawing, cooking, reading and writing poetry. Two of her favorite poems were, The Rime of the Ancient Mariner & Captain My Captain by Walt Whitman. She read her Bible every night.

Mary was a woman of strength and character. She remained faithful to her faith, despite many personal and health challenges over the years. Her children are forever thankful for her persistence and devotion to raise her children in the church, introducing each of us to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Rest in peace, dear beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and daughter. Enjoy your reunion with your children, Peter and Tina Louise. You will be dearly missed here.

Mary Virginia Lockert DiSalvo —Child of God

“No eye has seen, No ear has heard, No mind conceived what God has prepared for them”

~I Corinthians 2:9

"I go to prepare a place for you so that where I am there you will be also."

~John 14:3

A graveside service with a scripture reading and prayer for family will take place on Monday, July 15, 2024 at 3:00 PM at Detroit Memorial Park West, 25200 Plymouth Rd., Redford, MI 48239.