Obituary of Mary Cairo

Mary DeLorenzo Cairo, 96, left this earthly life on May 21, 2010, for an eternal one, where she has been reunited in God's presence with her husband, George G., her son, George J., and her five sisters, four brothers, parents, and good friends. Mary was born in Providence RI of the union of John and Enrichetta DeLorenzo and resided there until her and George's retirement in 1974, when they relocated to Ocala FL. A business owner in RI for 22 years, it was natural for Mary to continue directing people and activities as a founding member and leader in St. Jude Catholic Community. She volunteered as Head Sacristan, Eucharistic Minister, Minister to the Sick, and Lector. She also opened and directed St Jude's Thrift Store for 13 years. Mary cooked meals for the congregation as well as the bishop, and she sewed albs for her pastor. For her 25 years of service to St. Jude, she received a medal from the bishop of the Orlando Diocese. When she was no longer able to live alone in Florida, she relocated to Richmond VA to be with her daughter. Although she missed her many friends and church acquaintances at St. Jude's, she made new friends, especially members of Epiphany Catholic Community, and she was still capable of actively directing the care she received from nursing assistants. "Mom" will be greatly missed by her surviving children: Elaine Nowinski of Richmond VA, Robert Cairo of Tarrytown NY, and Marcia Fiore of Providence RI. Her daughter-in-law, Jean Cairo, of Detroit MI, also survives her. "Nana" will also be missed by her grandchildren: Philip and Michael (Lisa) Fiore, Matthew (Mary) and Vincent (Jessica) Nowinski, Janine and Scott (Kelly) Cairo, and Emily Cairo, as well as great-grandchildren Hannah, Claire, and John Nowinski, Ella and Stanton Nowinski, Rachel, Joshua, Luke, and Lydia Cairo, and Emilia and Antonia Fiore. A Funeral Mass for Mary will be held at 10 AM at St. Jude Catholic Community Church, 443 Marion Oaks Drive, Ocala FL on Saturday, May 29, 2010. Hours of visitation for her Florida friends will be 5-8 PM on Friday, May 28, at Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services-Timberridge, 9695 SW 110th St. Ocala, FL. A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 AM at Epiphany Catholic Church, 11000 Smoketree Drive, Richmond, VA on Thursday, June 3, 2010. The family thanks all those that welcomed Mary to Virginia and helped to make her feel "at home." Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services, Ocala, FL are in charge of the arrangements.