Passed away on Tuesday, July 28, 2026. Loving wife of Francesco Gusmano. Beloved mother of Franco and Giuseppe Gusmano and Sabrina (Keith) McKinley. Cherished grandmother of Francesco III, Michael (Alli), Gabriella, Nico Gusmano, Jack, Dominic and Lucas McKinley, Sophia Gusmano and the late Nicholas Gusmano, great grandmother of Adalina, Aria and Giovanni Gusmano. Our dear sister, sister-in-law, aunt, cousin and friend.
With faith in God’s promise of eternal life, Maria Grazia Gusmano (née Orlando) entered into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on July 28, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.
Maria is survived by her beloved husband, Francesco P. Gusmano; her loving children, Franco, Giuseppe Gusmano, and Sabrina (Keith) McKinley; her cherished grandchildren, Francesco III, Michael (Alli), Gabriella (Brandon), Nico, Jack, Dominic, Lucas, and Sophia; her great-grandchildren, Adalina, Aria, and Giovanni; her sisters and brother; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever treasure the memories she created with them.
She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Giuseppe “Scocciapraia” Orlando and Vincenza Ciramitaro; her beloved sister, Rosolia Cracchiolo; and her precious grandson, Nicholas Gusmano. We find comfort in knowing she is reunited with those she loved so deeply. While our hearts are broken, we are grateful for every laugh, every story, every hug, and every moment we shared with her. Her love shaped our lives, and her memory will remain in our hearts forever.
Born in Terrasini, Palermo, Sicily, Maria carried her Italian heritage proudly throughout her life. Family was the center of her world, and her love for them knew no bounds. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished grandmother, beloved sister, treasured aunt, and a loyal friend to many.
Maria was truly one of a kind. She had a larger-than-life personality, an infectious laugh, and a gift for making every gathering brighter. She was the life of the party, the kind of person people naturally gravitated toward. Whether she was sharing stories or making everyone laugh, she brought joy and laughter wherever she went.
Maria was a devoted homemaker who poured her heart into caring for her family. She loved baking her famous cookies and delicious cannoli and tiramisu for family gatherings, parties, and weddings. Everyone looked forward to her homemade treats, which were always made with love. She also found joy in flowers, creating beautiful crafts, and sewing, using her talents to make life a little more beautiful for those around her.
She will always be remembered for her quick wit, fearless spirit, unforgettable sayings, and the laughter she brought to everyone fortunate enough to know her.
Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever our Maria.
Services; Visitation at Kutis South County Chapel (5255 Lemay Ferry) on Monday August 3, 2026. from 4PM until service at 6PM.
✨💚✨ Per sempre la mia bellezza ✨💚✨
We are so sad to hear about Maria passing. Sending our love to you all.
Oh how sad for all who loved Maria!
Love, Debbie
(daughter of Vera Orlando Bean)
So sorry to hear of the passing of cousin Maria. From the Ciaramitaro and Orlando families in Gloucester, Ma, our deepest condolences to the family.
We are so sorry far your loss. My sisters and myself had the great pleasure of meeting Maria after her name came up in my search for my grandparent’s birth place. They came from the same Sicilian town. We had the privilege of enjoying her amazing cooking. She came to my home and showed me how to make Italian cookies. Her breads were delicious and she always had a basket filled with them for us.
Although we only knew her for the past 10 years, we feel blessed to have had her in our lives.
God bless you all
Marlene ( Mattea Pantaleo) Shelton
Ciao zietta bella….sei sempre stata la più solare ….mi faceva soffrire vederti sofferente nell ultimo periodo…adesso ti immagino un angelo bellissimo che continui a far sorride tutti coloro che sono nell aldilà riposa in pace ciao zia❤️😭