Obituary of Mary Margaret Cousino
Mary Margaret Iott was born on February 21, 1923, at the family home in Whiteford Township, Michigan. The youngest of ten children, Mary was the daughter of Charles and Ella (Montri) Iott. Her father was a farmer and her mother a teacher.
Mary graduated from Iott Grade School, a one room schoolhouse in Whiteford Township in 1936. While at Iott School, Mary was taught three years by her sister, Helen. Mary attended two years at St. Mary Academy, Monroe, and graduated from Central Catholic High School, Toledo, in 1940. She attended DeSalles College, Toledo, for one year, prior to its closing due to WWII. She then transferred to Sienna Heights College, Adrian.
Mary worked as an Engineering Department secretary for Toledo Scales, prior to her marriage. She married Elroy L. Cousino on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 1947, at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Temperance. They made their home on his family farm in Erie, and were married thirty-two years prior to his death on February 22, 1980.
Mary was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend. She enjoyed dancing, playing cards, and every type of gathering with family and friends. She will be fondly remembered for her hearty laugh, genuine smile, helpful nature, and generous hospitality.
Prior to her marriage, Mary was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church’s Blessed Virgin Sodality, six years as President. Once married, she was active in various memberships at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Erie, and the community. Mary was a member of the St. Joseph School Parent/Teacher Guild for eighteen years, two years as President. She was a member of the St. Joseph Altar Society since 1951, eight years as President. Mary was a St. Joseph Funeral Luncheon Committee Leader and member for many years. She assisted at the St. Joseph Labor Day Festival chicken dinners for many years in the kitchen preparing desserts. Mary taught Religious Education classes for several years. Mary was active in the St. Joseph Friendship Club and the Bedford & Luna Pier Senior Citizen Centers.
Mary Margaret Cousino, age 101, passed away on Sunday, April 21, 2024, at her home surrounded by family members. She had been under Hospice of Northwest Ohio home care since February 2024. Her passing was preceded by her husband; two daughters-in-law: Debbie and Patti; a son-in-law: Jesse Reed; her parents; eight brothers: Joseph, John, Adrian (Ethel), Elton (Clara), William, Phillip (Bernice), Robert (Betty), Arthur; and one sister: Helen (Gene) Hausmann. Mary was also preceded in death by her husband’s parents: Jasper & Anna; his brothers: Arnold (Irma) & Enos; and his sister: Ruth (Alfred) Cousino.
To cherish her memory, Mary is survived by her seven children: Charles (Mary), Mary Ellen (Stanley) Stachak, David, Philip, Paul, Michael (Pamela), and James (Michele); twenty grandchildren; and thirty-seven great grandchildren.
Friends may gather on Sunday; April 28, 2024, from 12:00pm until 6:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe; 14567 South Dixie Highway, Monroe, Michigan 48161 (734) 241-7070 where a Rosary will be prayed at 5:00pm, also at Merkle’s. She will lie in state on Monday, April 29, 2024, from 10:00am until the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00am at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 2214 Manhattan Street, Erie, Michigan, celebrated by Fr. David Cybulski. Interment will immediately follow the Mass in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Erie.
Online guests may visit www.merklefs.com to leave words of inspiration and comfort or to share a photo. Memorials may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church, St. Joseph Catholic School, or Hospice of Northwest Ohio.