MARY CORMANA’S CELEBRATION OF LIFE
Mary (Maria) was born in Kansas City, MO on November 6th 1917 to Nunziata (Nancy) and Joseph Ragusa, who emigrated from Sicily to America. Being the only girl in the family she was well protected by her 4 brothers, Tony, Carl, Tommy and Charlie, who preceded her in death. She attended Holy Rosary School until 7th grade, and then started working in order to help her family. She loved playing baseball, going to dances and hanging out with her cousins and friends.
She met the love of her life, John Cormana while he was stationed in Kansas City and married on January 24th, 1946. They had 6 girls: Majorie, Nancy, Lillie, Mary Darlene, Jeri and Joni. John was called to our Lord in October 2009 as was her daughter Lillie in February 2002.
Mary and John moved to Spokane, WA for a few years, and then moved back to Kansas City for a brief period of time before moving to Rock Springs, WY in 1952. Mary was a devoted wife and mother who made sure her children were raised as Christians in the Catholic faith. Her faith was reflective in the way she lived. The hardest job of all is that of “Homemaker”, and Mary had her hands full taking care of 6 daughters. When all of her children were in school, she joined a bowling league and loved it.
In 1966 the family moved to Kirkland, WA where she and her husband watched their girls start their own families. She helped care for her 14 Grandchildren: Rachel, Alan, Daran, Johnny, Michelle, Christine, DoriAnn, Trevor, Jason, Whitney, Evan, Joshua, Patrick and Kendra. Her eyes would light up whenever she saw her 16 Great Grandchildren: Tyler, Jenna, Sawyer, Ryker, Raymond, Garrett, Robbie, Tyson, Tristan, Marko, Brock, Allyson, Thaelynn, Jayden, A.J., and Shelby. She was looking forward to seeing another Great Grandchild this May, who’ll be named Heidi, and even though she will not meet her on earth, they will meet in time.
Mary also had other loves, that of her animals and birds. Her 2 white doves were named Angel and Dovey and she talked to them all the time. She made sure all the squirrels and birds in her yard were well fed. She loved watching the birds come to the feeder outside the living room window and when the squirrels came begging at the back door, she would say, “ my little friends are here” and that meant it was peanut time. The blue stellar jays were her enemy because they stole peanuts from the squirrels.
Her favorite past times was having lunch with her friends, which was time she thoroughly enjoyed, as well as playing Bingo and going to the Casino to beat the one-armed bandit. These were activities that meant a lot to her, and were greatly missed when she became homebound. There are no words to describe this most wonderful woman who was an inspiration to all who knew her including her family, and long time friends from Kansas City, Rock Springs, Spokane and Kirkland, as well as other cities throughout the country. Mary stayed in contact with friends and family up until the time she was called Home to our Lord on January 5, 2012. She gave from her heart and made sure that when others were in need of help she would find ways to provide for them.
Mary had the most beautiful spirit, who always laughed and made great attempts at telling jokes. She would say “keep a smile on your face and never be angry”, and then she would give you “her” smile and you couldn’t help but smile back. Mary always thought of others and included everyone in her daily prayers, along with saying her rosary, and when she couldn’t get to church on Sundays, she watched the daily Mass on TV. She was famous for her words of “Always love one another!” Even nurses and short time acquaintances, who stopped by the house to check on her, would be given God’s blessing and told “I love you!” before they left.
Prayerful, Full of Laughter, Joking Around Even In Her Physical Pain, Sharing, Caring, and most of all, Love of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This is the Mary, whose love will remain in our hearts and souls, and who will be with us till we are blessed to join her. Mary committed her live to faith, family and friends.
Mary’s service will be on January 24th with a Mass at Holy Family Parish in Kirkland, WA. Both John and Mary will be entombed at the Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, WA this same day, the day of their wedding anniversary.
Mary’s favorite charity was St. Jude’s and had requested that in lieu of flowers, please send donations to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital – Tribute Account #30003273 – PO Box 1000, Dept. 142 – Memphis, TN 38148-0142 – Phone: 1-800-822-6344. She was always thinking of the children!