Mary Virginia Calanni

People who met Mary were constantly amazed that she was just shy of her 101st birthday. Her bluer-than-blue eyes, curly blonde hair, and ageless skin would have fooled anyone trying to guess her age. True, her parents, Stella and John DeMaria, provided some remarkable genes, but if you knew Mary, you knew that in addition to those amazing genes, she also relied on a few well-chosen vitamins and busy hands. Those busy hands prepared many spectacular, and often seven-course, Sunday dinners for her lucky family. From wedding soup and homemade pasta, to a killer blueberry cobbler, and everything in-between, you never knew what was next on the menu. There was always enough surplus to feed folks who dropped by or any Ravennian in need of a good meal. Her husband Ned, in his mint green Oldsmobile 88 Super Coup, was tasked with delivering food to everyone on Mary’s list before the family was allowed to sit at the table. She was not one to rest on her laurels, or actually, rest at all. In addition to time in the kitchen, Mary also began her own business — La Petite Beauty Salon. She was one of Ravenna’s most sought-after hairstylists, and particularly skilled at cutting the perfect shag, much in demand during the ‘70s. In fact, she was so skilled, the local newspaper featured Mary and her busy salon, photos and all.

She was also a staple at her son, John R. Calanni’s pizza shops — whether in Ravenna, Kent, Stow, or Hilton Head Island. She could be found prepping sauce, washing dishes, or lovingly critiquing her grandson Ethan, and his friends as they worked the dining room or kitchen. Since her “advice” came so often, the boys did their best to avoid her gaze. One of the friends coined the solemn warning: “Don’t look the wolf in the eye!”

The funny thing, though, those boys loved that “wolf” with all their hearts. As mentioned earlier, Mary was also a giver when cooking in her kitchen, and she carried her Good-Samaritan propensity right into the beauty shop. She and her daughter Nancy C. Long, who worked in her mother’s salon, were also generous with their talent, both inside and outside of the shop. For folks who needed a good haircut, but were unable to make payment, they would receive a wash, cut, and style — gratis. And it wasn’t unusual to learn that Mary and Nancy were in the car and headed out to an elderly client or a client too ill to make the trip to the shop. In addition, you might as easily find the two off to the Portage Juvenile Detention Center to give a much-needed haircut to a young customer, who had taken a wrong turn somewhere along the line. Haircut trips to nursing homes, hospitals, and funeral homes were common. Families in mourning frequently asked Mary to style their loved one’s hair so their mom, sister, wife or daughter could look as if they’d just stepped out of Mary’s salon. She never failed to honor each request. Her shop was located in her home and the kitchen merely ten feet and two steps away from the salon. To the great joy of her clients, Mary was able to combine both her cooking skills and hairstyling magic. She cooked every day for her family, and the scents of whatever she had on the stove or in the oven drifted over those ten feet and two steps right into the salon and into the nose of each client. Nothing can top the blissful aroma of homemade bread just pulled from the oven. Anyone who had chosen baking day for an appointment was soon gifted with a generous slice of warm bread, butter and all. Mary’s kindheartedness was easily spent during her lifetime. Those touched by it were lucky indeed. Mary was born September 7, 1923 in Ravenna, Ohio to proud Italian immigrants, Stella and John DeMaria. She passed away at home, August 28, surrounded by her loving family. Mary was a member of Immaculate Conception Church, Catholic Daughters of America, and PPA where she shared membership with Stella and Mike DeMaria (brother), Helen (cousin) and Al Visca, and many others. Survivors include her children Thomas J. (Priscilla) Calanni, Nancy C. Long, John R. Calanni and sister, Lucille DeLuca, grandchildren MaryChris Williams and Ethan Long, great-grandchildren Dominic Anthony Williams, Sophia Caris Williams. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Ned, brother Michael (Stella) DeMaria, brother-in-law Frank DeLuca, and son-in-law Ken Long.

Her life will be celebrated Tuesday, September 3, 2024 at Immaculate Conception Church. Calling hours begin at 10 a.m. until time of funeral mass at 11a.m. Long-time friend Father Carl Kish will officiate. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Ravenna.

Please, no flowers or tree memorials.

Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice. Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever.  Psalms 112: 5-6