Mary Sgro (Contessa)

Mary Sgro (Contessa) passed away peacefully Dec. 26, 2007.

Born in Italy, she was 6 years old when she traveled with her mother to join her father in America.

She retired after 32 years as secretary at Akron's Windemere School, where she was fondly known as Miss Mary. She was a loyal volunteer and member of Italian organizations and the International Institute. Mary was a past president of Sons of Italy Lodge 685 and had served as a trustee or officer in the organization since joining in 1960. Mary formerly served as financial secretary and currently served as treasurer of the Council of Italian American Societies. Mary was a fixture at the Italian-American Festival, serving on the festival committee for many years. Mary was a member of the Honorary Board of the International Institute. Mary was often recognized for her service to the community and Italian organizations and was a proud recipient of the Ernest Teodosio and the Peter Silletti awards for outstanding service to the Italian community.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband and best friend of 62 years, Joseph; son, John Michael; parents, Michael and Mary Contessa; sister, Phyllis Ivey; brother, Nick Contessa; sister-in-law, Joanne Contessa; and brother-in-law Charles Sgro. Mary is survived by brother, Matt Contessa; sister-in-law, Antoinette Sgro; special nieces and nephews, Jackie and Nick Casamento, Sandra Wakefield, Denise and Bill Bailey, Gene Ivey, John and Mary Sgro, Charles and Nancy Sgro; many great- and great-great-nieces and nephews and a host of godchildren. Mary loved being "Nana" to Chad and Kendra Wakefield, Anne Rimke and Troy Bailey.