Mary Ann Rau DeMarco 1937-2026

She was born Aug. 29, 1937, at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, the daughter of the late Otta A. Rau and Adela A. Gust.

A 1955 Eau Claire High School graduate, Mary retired from Packard Electric in 1999 after more than 30 years of service.

She married Frank DeMarco May 30, 1959, at Evangelical Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer in Eau Claire after an unforgettable blind double-date, which ended with him calling her “cute” and the two inseparable from then on, sharing more than 50 years together.

The matriarch of a growing family, wherever she roamed became “home.” So, upon moving to Warren, what started as a small unit quickly grew to a nostalgic space for many.

Though she was a mother to four of her own, she also played a maternal figure to many outside the immediate family.

Both Mary and Frank always welcomed their children’s friends into their Hazelwood home, often leaving the door unlocked and ready for drop-ins.

“The DeMarco’s” was fundamental in everyone’s upbringing, fostering long-term relationships and sentimental values amongst family and friends to this day.

Always representing a warm environment for memories to be made, what started as a nest to raise their own became a cherished hangout spot for loved ones and alike.

Teenagers running around the yard or hanging out in the basement turned into family gatherings, celebrating new spouses and the birth of grandchildren, and the DeMarco home became remembered by all who were honored as guests.

But, as the DeMarco clan grew, families moved and loved ones were lost, what always stayed constant was the strength, courage and never-ending companionship of Mary.

She will be remembered for her desire to engage in life to its fullest — mainly traveling, finding joy in the world and creating new experiences with Frank. They never missed a moment to embrace life and its journey.

But it was Mary’s open arms and heart — which expanded beyond blood — that were pivotal traits amongst all who knew her, becoming a shelter until the very end. Everyone was and is family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank, on Sept. 12, 2010; a brother, Donald Rau; a granddaughter, Chantae Palmer; and a son-in-law, Thomas B. McDanel.

Surviving are four children, Mark (Barbara) DeMarco of Fort Worth, Texas, Julie Ann DeMarco McDanel of Bazetta, Timothy (Theresa) DeMarco of Canton, Georgia, and Michael DeMarco of Bazetta; a sister, Rebecca Rau of Cottage Grove, Wisconsin; a brother, Jerome Rau of Otsego, Minnesota; a special nephew, Christopher (Darcy) Rau of Woodbury, Minnesota; nine grandchildren, Anthony DeMarco of Canton, Georgia, April Manna of Lewisville, Texas, Danielle (Kevin) Carrillo of Dallas, Texas, Alisa Manna of Cleveland, Amanda (Jeffrey) Burdette of Atlanta, Georgia, Tara (Deron) Fontenot of Grapevine, Texas, Alec DeMarco and Timothy J. DeMarco II of Canton, Georgia, and Frank J. DeMarco of Fort Worth, Texas; and 12 great-grandchildren, Austin, Caleb and Adelynn DeMarco, Dominic Lucci, Sophia Sommers, Deron and Vivian Fontenot, Jude Burdette, Theodore and Isabella Carrillo, Braylon Palmer and Raysean Guillory.

According to Mary’s wishes, cremation took place and private services were held.

Interment followed in All Souls Cemetery in Bazetta.

The family suggests memorial contributions take the form of donations to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 6155 Rockside Road Suite 202, Independence, OH 44131.

Arrangements were entrusted to Peter Rossi and Son Memorial Chapel, 1884 North Road N.E., Warren, OH 44483.

This obituary may be viewed at and condolences sent to www.peterrossiandsonfh.com.

(special notice)