Mary “Calia” Casarella, 96, of Egg Harbor Township, NJ, peacefully passed away on Monday, June 21, 2021 at home surrounded by her loving family.
Mary was born on February 5, 1925 to Angelina Pasqualicchio and Michael Calia in Scranton, PA. “Calia” will forever be remembered for her gentle kindness, humility, caring and for serving others.
Mary attended Dunmore High School. Mary also worked for many years cooking at The Woodlands in Wilkes Barre, PA. It was there that she earned the name “Salad Mary” for her salad creations in the kitchen. She spent her life caring for her extended family and filling her home with love. She began every single day with the Rosary in hand, watching and praying the EWTN Daily Mass at 8:00am. Mary was a member of the Parish of Saint Barbara in Exeter, PA and was devout in her faith. Calia loved living the majority of her life in her apartment in Exeter, PA amongst some of her closest loved ones and family members including the late Anna Casarella, the late Helen Mauriello, Jean Ritter, Joe and Charlotte Casarella.
Mary is predeceased by her parents, her sisters Rose Nittollo, Antoinette Zarilli and brother Angelo Calia.
Mary is survived by her loving daughters, Helen Osborn (Thomas), Janet Banko (Stephen) and Mary Ann von Doehren (Lee) and her devoted son Michael Casarella (Marian). Calia was the most loving grandmother to her grandchildren, David Osborn (Katarina), Anna Osborn (Brian), Christopher Banko (Amy), Stephanie Cigna (Tony), Bridget Collins (Tom), Gemma Schneider (Paul) and Michael Casarella (Nicole). Nana Calia was most proud of her beautiful great-grandchildren, Mauriella, Calia and Eliza Keith, Emma and Christopher Banko, Nathan Regnault, Brynn Cigna, Thomas and Callie Collins, Madelyn, Timothy and Dominic Schneider, and Kuillin Osborn. Mary was also blessed with two great-great grandchildren, Delilah and Layla Espinosa. Aunt Calia is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews who meant the world to her.
Mary “Calia” was the center of her family, always providing love, wisdom, strength and joy. She will be missed beyond measure and precious memories of Mary will be cherished by her family and friends.
The family will receive friends and relatives Thursday, August 5, 2021, in the Parish of Saint Barbara, Exeter from 9am until 10am. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10am. Private interment will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Carverton, PA.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Parish of Saint Barbara in Exeter, PA. Arrangements are entrusted to Adonizio Funeral Home, LLC, 251 William Street, Pittston.