Maria A. Mancuso

MARIA  A. MANCUSO (nee Vocaire), age 80, born July 24, 1942, passed away May 3, 2023 suddenly in Florida. Beloved wife of James V. Mancuso. Loving mother of Denise (Denise Rasmussen), Darlene Perelka (Jay), Dianna Bocskey (Tony). Dear grandma of Mikayla Thompson (Colin), Andrew Perelka, Kaitlynn Bocskey, Nicholas and James Mancuso. Daughter of the late Antoinette Saviano (nee Cangemi). Sister of Anthony Vocaire (deceased) (Joan). Maria worked as a motivational speaker. She was recently featured in a book called, "Extraordinary Women from an Ordinary Place," By Barbara Pennington. She was married to her sweetheart Jimmy for 3 days shy of their 62nd wedding anniversary. Her happy place was Florida and she loved playing games on the lanai in the sunshine, going to church at Sacred Heart church in Punta Gorda and spending time with her family. Those who have had their soul touch by Maria loved her. Our heartbreaking loss of our beautiful mother/sweetheart of a wife is now heaven's gain, as a beautiful angel to watch over us. She will be deeply missed by many. Friends may call at Ferfolia Funeral Home, 356 West Aurora Rd., (Sagamore Hills) for visitation Thursday 4-8pm. Funeral Friday 10:45 a.m. at the funeral home, Mass of Christian Burial at St. Barnabas Catholic Church, (9451 Brandywine Road, Northfield Center) at 11:30 a.m.

An excerpt from the book “Extraordinary Women from an Ordinary  Place” by Barbara Pennington 

If you were invited to Maria’s home for an Italian dinner, it would be one you’d never forget. But, she was more than a homemaker. After joining Weight Watchers in her 30’s, Maria started her own class, developing quite a following. She was so good at inspiring. others that she became a motivational speaker, created her own program “ Another You”, and became a member of the National Speakers Association. 

After suffering a brain aneurysm 25 years ago, Maria had to relearn the basics to live life each day. The love and support of her family, her faith and relationship with God, hard work, and extensive rehabilitation combined to help her on her journey back to “normal”. 

Note from author: Barbara Pennington: Maria was an impressive woman in so many ways. She made a statement when she walked  into a room before saying a word.  She was so perceptive and could read people quickly. 

From her daughters: Little had we known that day, god was going to call your name, and take you home. In life we loved you dearly, in death we’ll do the same. It broke our hearts to lose you, but you did not go alone. For parts of all of us went with you on that special day. Our lives will never be the same. You left us beautiful memories and  your love will never die. Though we cannot see you, you are always by our side. Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same. God will one day  join us one by one, the chain will link again. Till we meet again...............Love You! 


Thank you dad, for having mom in her favorite place, playing her favorite game with her perfect man. It was flawlessly planned that you would be by her side when she traveled home to the lord with her golden ticket.  Thank you lord for blessing Maria to be our mom and starting a life with Jimmy 62 years ago. We will be eternally grateful.

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