Mary Frances Criscione

Mary Frances Criscione, age 93, wife of Dr. John M. Criscione, passed away peacefully at 7:47 am on July 20, 2021 in her home in Parma, surrounded by family. She was an engaging storyteller, fierce polka dancer, avid gardener, brisk walker, furniture connoisseur, impeccably dressed, youthful of face, body and heart. She is loved by so many and gave unendingly of her love.  It is impossible to fit her beautiful life into this brief space. Daughter of Joseph and Julia Marino (née Cretella), she began in Youngstown, OH, where her family ties run deep. Oysters brought home by her father in a brown paper bag were a relished treat. Her dog Buster, a chow (who met an unfortunate end after eating a cat) was a childhood friend. She looked out for her younger brother, Donald Marino, who never wanted to come in from playing outside. She enjoyed a second home with her cousins Helen and Louie Cretella. She married and moved to Purdue, Indiana in support of her husband’s schooling at the town’s eponymous university. She always missed Youngstown, but she and John were a team. She typed his PhD dissertation. No mean feat in the days before computers. They soon returned to Youngstown, bringing with them their young family. Madeline Coffman (Byron), Michael Criscione (Gina), Joe Criscione (Freda) and Julie Tierce (Michael) are indelibly touched by their mother’s love and example. She has always been a part of their lives and always will be, as she is for her grandchildren, Sarah, Kathy, Michael and Rachel Coffman, Jeff Rossman, Lisa, Maria, and John Criscione and Khaela Tierce. Her husband John Criscione took care of her so well, as she did him. Their 71 years together are a testament to their devotion and love. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Bridget of Kildare Parish, 5620 Hauserman Rd, Parma, on Monday July 26, 2021 at 10 a.m., followed by internment at Lake View Cemetery. Services being handled by THE RIPEPI FUNERAL HOME.