Mary Grace Ceresia
CERESIA, DUFRENSE, BUSH, SCARFI, STROHM, ROSENBERG, MCKENNA
Posted By: Sarah Fletcher (email)
Date: 3/24/2023 at 10:30:35
We pay tribute to Mary Grace Ceresia, who passed away on March 6, 2023, at the age of 76, in the company of her family.
Visitation will be held from 4-6:00 p.m. on Friday, March 24, 2023 at Lensing’s Oak Hill in Coralville. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 25, 2023 at St. Thomas More Catholic Church. Interment will immediately follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.
Mary was born on May 21, 1946 in Lafayette, Indiana, to George and Margaret (Dufrense) Ceresia. She was the third oldest in a family of ten children. She graduated from high school in 1964 and earned her Bachelor's Degree in Medical Technology from Albany College of Pharmacy in 1968. In 1970, she earned her Master's Degree in Biology from the College of Saint Rose. Mary was a devoted volunteer, and her desire to aid others prompted her to join the VISTA Volunteers in Ames, IA, and, later on, the Peace Corps, where she served in Liberia for 27 months. Upon return to the US, she joined VISTA again in Thomasville, GA.
Mary moved to Wilder, VT where she began her 35 year career with the Federal Government at the VA. Her career moved her across the continental US where she spent time teaching collegiately at Albany Medical Center in NY, Acting Lab Supervisor in Kayenta, AZ, Lab Manager in Lake City, FL, and to Iowa City, IA where she continued teaching and retired at the age of 70. Her commitment and willingness to help others was one of her greatest contributions and she genuinely made a difference in the world.
Mary also created a rich personal life for herself. She solely adopted three children. She traveled on road trips and explored the world while maintaining a professional career and raising her family. She was an accomplished and innovative person who enjoyed embroidery, crocheting, camping, hiking, and being in nature. One of Mary’s most well known skills was in cooking and baking. Her desserts were sought after at family gatherings, work, school and church events. She attended church weekly, taught Sunday school and held her faith as a cornerstone in her life.
Mary is survived by her three children: Dan Ceresia, David Ceresia, and Laura (Chris) Ceresia Bush; four grandchildren: Sage and Kaia Ceresia and C.J. and Zoey Bush; nine siblings: Margaret (John) Scarfi, George (Penny) Ceresia, June (Emery) Strohm, Charles Ceresia, Richard (Karen) Ceresia, Carol Ceresia Rosenberg, Gail (Tim) McKenna, Thomas Ceresia, and Michelle Ceresia; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and one sister-in-law.
Mary will be profoundly missed by all who knew and cherished her. Her selflessness, kindness, and generosity touched the lives of so many. Her memory will endure through the many individuals she interacted with. Instead of flowers, donations can be made to the Coralville Community Food Pantry and online condolences can be shared at www.lensingfuneral.com.
Rest in peace, Mary Grace Ceresia.
Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service
Johnson Obituaries maintained by Cindy Booth Maher.
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