Mary Piro

Mary Virginia Piro was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother across five generations of the family she dearly loved. She lived for their happiness and was always “there” for them. Her skills were many, her interests were broad and her humor evoked many-a laugh. Favored with long life, Mary had abundant opportunity to exemplify a deep faith that effected all around her.

Mary Virginia was born to Angelina and Joseph Fera on February 11, 1911 in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. During her lifetime of more than 100 years, Mary was part of the sweep of history that saw monumental changes in North American life. From horse and buggy transportation to automobiles, air travel to space exploration, typewriters to computers, radio broadcasts to television, and telegraph communication to internet service, Canada excelled in opportunity and advancement.

Along with her siblings Carl, Connie, Stan, Emily and Frank, Mary grew up on Allen Street in the “Soo.” Her father worked in the carpentry trade as a millwright for Algoma Steel. Her mother taught her to sew, knit, crochet and cook in anticipation of Mary becoming a homemaker herself. Not unlike young women of her generation, she completed her schooling through the 7th grade, and having been introduced to Frank Piro by her sister, Mary became his wife at age 15.

Blessed with three children—Joseph, Rudolph and Angela—Mary was delighted to be a mother. She supported her children throughout their schooling and their choice of careers, as well as during her sons’ military service. As a fulltime parent (that included caring for a dog named Whitey and a Parrot named Jiminy), Mary was also active in Mothers Club at Catholic Central and Rosary High Schools. Her religious and civic activities were focused on the League of Catholic Women and Women’s Sodality. Her investment in family and church life was a model for the generations that followed.

When Mary became a grandmother, she thrilled at the births of each of her 14 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great-grandchildren. Over the years, they became recipients of her skills in sewing, cooking, crocheting and baking and came to appreciate her interests in gardening and doll-making, as well. They well remember Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at grandma and grandpa’s house, when Mary arranged for Santa to arrive and they all played the famous “penny toss.” As the Piro family grew, they rented halls to accommodate the large group that always gathered on Easter and Thanksgiving. How proud Mary was of all her family, and how happy she felt to have them around her.

In return, Mary’s family gladly shared in her interests and humor. She was a fan of Red Wings hockey, Tiger baseball, authors Mary Higgins Clark and Nichols Sparks and singer Perry Como, especially his rendition of Cole Porter’s song, “Begin the Beguine.” With a wry smile, she teased her son-in-law Reno by saying, “Forgetta bout it!!” With a twinkle in her eye, she often snuck a $5 bill into the hands of her granddaughters, whispering “Every girl needs a little “Lincoln.”

Throughout her life, Mary’s devotion to the Blessed Mother was very evident in the way she lived. Her legacy of love is long and full and continuous in the lives of her family and community.

Mary V. Piro passed away Sunday, March 23, 2014 at the age of 103. Beloved wife for 57 years of the late Frank Piro. Loving mother of Deacon Rudy (the late Nina), Angela (Reno) Mifsud, and the late Joseph (the late Caroline). Dearest grandmother of 14, great grandmother of 30, and great-great grandmother of 6. Visitation Wednesday 2/3-9pm with a 7pm Rosary at the Neely-Turowski Life Story Funeral Home, 30200 Five Mile (btn Merriman and Middlebelt) in Livonia, Michigan. Mass Thursday 11am (in state 10:15am) at St. Genevieve Catholic Church, 29015 Jamison (east of Middlebelt). Please sign the guest book, where you may also share memories.