Marie A. Rossi Vross 1926-2026

She was born Nov. 5, 1926, in Niles, the daughter of Joseph Sr. and Josephine Merola Rossi. Marie was a 1944 graduate of Niles McKinley High School. She later attended the Cleveland College of Mortuary Science, taking the train or driving each day for two years with three other students from the area. In 1947, she graduated from The Cleveland School of Mortuary Science, served her apprenticeship and received her funeral director’s license on Jan. 13,1948, and her embalmer’s license on Nov. 30, 1949. She was the only woman in her graduating class.

She then followed in her father’s footsteps, working as a funeral director at the Joseph Rossi Funeral Home in Niles. For 79 years, Marie served families with compassion, dignity and dedication. She considered it a privilege to help others during some of life’s most difficult moments and remained deeply committed to the community she loved.

On May 12, 1951, Marie married George J. Vross; together they built a loving family and shared many happy years until his passing on June 9, 2016.

Marie was a member of St. Pope John XXIII Parish-Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Niles, where she served as a Eucharistic minister, was active in the Blessed Mother Society, and was a longtime bingo and festival volunteer. She was also a member of the Ohio Funeral Directors Association and the National Funeral Directors Association. In 2019, Marie was inducted into the Niles McKinley Hall of Fame Alumni Association.

She enjoyed boating at Mosquito Lake on weekends, knitting, dancing, wintering in Florida and traveling. She also organized bus trips with her mother to New York City each year for the annual Feast of San Gennaro. One of her favorite traditions was Sunday pasta with family.

Marie had a well-known love for the casino, where she could happily spend hours playing the machines. It was something she always looked forward to. Above all else, Marie treasured her family. Nothing made her happier than having everyone together. She especially cherished spending time with her great-grandchildren, whose laughter and energy brought her endless joy.

Known for her easygoing nature, her answer to many things in life was simply, “Whatever.”

She will be deeply missed by her son, John and his wife, Nancy Nykula Vross of Columbus; daughters, Sharon Jarvis and her husband, Jon of Cortland and Georgiana Naoum and her husband, Paul Sunderlin, of Boardman; brother, Joseph F. Rossi Jr. and his wife, Bonnie of Niles; and four grandchildren, Mathew Vross and his wife, Shara, Alexa Matsui and her husband, Rollin, Stephanie Adams and her husband, Brett,; and Jenelle Sanders and her husband, Bishop. She also leaves behind seven great-grandchildren, Benjamin Vross, Lennox, Malia and Kenji Matsui, Avery and Riley Adams, and Laina Sanders; and two nephews, Joseph F. Rossi III and Thomas J. Rossi Sr. and his wife, Jane.

Marie was preceded in death by her brother, James Rossi; her sister, Mickelin Rossi; and her son-in-law, Alexander Naoum.

The family would like to thank her many caregivers and Traditions Hospice for their kind and compassionate care.

Marie will be remembered for her quiet strength, kindness and lifelong dedication to caring for others.

In keeping with her wishes, those wishing to honor her memory are encouraged to perform a random act of kindness for someone in need.

Friends may call 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday at the Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home in Niles, where prayers will be conducted at 5:30 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Monday at St. Pope John XXIII Parish-Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church.

Friends are asked to please meet directly at the church for Mass the day of the funeral.

Burial will be in Niles City Cemetery.

Arrangements are being handled by the Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home in Niles. To share a memory, send a condolence or make a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, please visit Marie’s tribute page at www.josephrossifuneralhome.com.

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