Marie “Carmel” Maturo Cusano, 96, of 22 Masonic Avenue, Wallingford, formerly of Centerbrook Road, Hamden passed away Sunday, July 31, 2011 at the Masonic Health Care Center surrounded by his loving family. She was the wife of the late Joseph L. Cusano, Sr. Born in New Haven on October 23, 1914; daughter of the late Luciano and Madeline Amendola Maturo. Mrs. Cusano was a seamstress in the New Haven area for many years until her retirement; a talented painter, she was a member of the North Haven Art Guild; was a former member of the Ridge Road Senior Center; was an excellent baker, she was known as the “Cookie Lady”. A devote catholic, Mrs. Cusano was a parishioner of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church. Mother of M. Grace (John) Festa and Joseph L. (Teresa J.) Cusano, Jr. all of Northford. Grandmother of Holly Hinesley, Brian J. Festa, Jeffrey M. (Julie) Festa and Keith E. (Nancy) Festa. Great-grandmother of Kaelyn Hinesley, Taylor and Ella Festa. Sister of Joseph (Marion) Maturo of East Haven, Christine Melillo, Louis (Carolyn) Maturo all of North Haven and the late Angelo Maturo. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. The family would like to extend a special “Thank You” to the staff of Ramage 6th floor at the Masonic Health Care Center for the outstanding help and service they provided to Mrs. Cusano.
Her funeral procession will leave the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue Thursday morning at 10:30. Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday from 8:30 to 10:30 am. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church at 11:00. Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Hamden. Should friends desire memorial contributions may be made to the Masonicare, 22 Masonic Ave., Wallingford, CT 06492 or a charity of ones choice.