Lifelong Mansfield resident, Marianne F. Cappadonna, 97, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 9, 2024. The daughter of Italian immigrants, the late Sebastian Cappadonna and Rosina (Marchi) Cappadonna Altomonte, Marianne was born May 18, 1927, in Mansfield. She attended Mansfield St. Peter’s schools and graduated High School in 1945.
Upon high school graduation she went to work at Martin Steel using her bookkeeping skills. When Martin Steel underwent a buyout, she sought employment elsewhere. From 1960-1991 Marianne was employed at the Richland County Court House, working under six judges throughout her thirty years of employment in the Common Pleas Domestic Relations Court using her typing and shorthand qualifications. She later transferred to the juvenile court division, where she continued using her office talents.
Marianne enjoyed shopping for the latest fashions and for those dear to her, especially her mother, siblings, nieces and nephews, and her dear friends. She could often be spotted at the major department stores in downtown Mansfield: Kobackers, the H.L. Reed Company, M. O’Neil, and Maxwell’s department stores and later at The Richland Mall. For years she took the city bus to and from work until obtaining her driver’s license at age 50 with the encouragement of her family. She was known for sending out hundreds of cards and letters to family members and friends for holidays, get-well wishes, and special events throughout life; always adding special touches, to her cards and envelopes. She was the queen of stickers and confetti. She had a great sense of humor, loved to go to the latest movies, play cards, and always had a goody bag filled with yummy treats, especially pink wintergreen mints, Andes mint thins, and Werther’s caramels. Marianne would answer to Mar, Mari and Zizi (a version of Zia, Italian for Aunt).
Marianne was a member of the Martin Steel Women’s Monday Variety Bowling League and the Sons of Italy where for many years she enjoyed the dances and picnics held there. She had a deep Catholic faith and a special devotion to St. Francis of Assisi. For many years she was able to attend morning mass before her workday began.
Throughout the years she could often be seen sitting on her front porch with her Siamese cat, feeding the birds and other wildlife, and caring for several stray cats. After her retirement, she became a lunch-line lady, serving in the cafeteria and interacting with the students at St. Peter’s Schools.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings Ernest Cappadonna (1987); Esther Sumergrad (2007); and Johanna Cappadonna (2019); sister-in-law, Marie Cappadonna; brothers-in-law, Benjamin J. Contra, Stanley Sumergrad; nephews, Mark and Michael Sumergrad, Ernest (Chris) Cappadonna; great-niece, Maureen Sullivan; and close friend and co-worker, Gretchen Gehl.
Marianne is survived by her loving sister Josephine Contra; nieces – Benita (Michael, deceased) Sullivan of Strongsville, Marianne (David) Bohne of San Diego, CA., Christine (Al) Berger of Mansfield, Annette (Dale) Gracon of Fairview Park, Susan Julius (Edward Ehli) of New Orleans, LA; nephew Benjamin J. Contra, Jr. (partner Kelley Ann Cromer) of Huntsville; cousin Gino Colace; six great-nieces; two great-nephews; and six great-great nieces and six great-great nephews; her late sister Johanna’s partner Lynne Zaharako of Centerville, and several other distant relatives and special caring friends.
On Monday, September 16, 2024, visitation will be held at St. Peter Catholic Church, 60 S. Mulberry St, Mansfield, OH 44902, beginning at 9:30am. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00am. Interment will follow immediately at the Mansfield Catholic Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter Catholic Church or The Monsignor Dunn Foundation (The Sister Bernard Marie Science Department) at 104 West First St., Mansfield, OH 44902 or mansfieldstpeters.org. Contributions may also be made to the Sisters of St Francis of Mary Immaculate at 1433 Essington Rd, Joliet, IL 60435 jolietfranciscans.org.
A sincere thank you to the staff and compassionate companions at Wedgewood Estates of Mansfield where Marianne resided the last three years, and to Hospice of the Western Reserve for the exceptional care given to Marianne, especially by her hospice aide, Kristie.
“Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love.” ~ St. Francis of Assisi. Truly how Marianne strived to live.
Herlihy Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements and online condolences may be made by visiting www.herlihyfh.com.
Funeral Home: Herlihy Funeral Home
Website: www.herlihyfh.com