Mary Antoinette Cusson, 84 of Port, Charlotte, FL and Franklin, MA entered into eternal life on May 26, 2023. Born in Boston, MA on October 4, 1938, she was the daughter of the late John J. and Elena M. (Calesa) Willinski.
Mary was raised in Millis. She attended St. Mary Catholic school in Milford and received her holy sacraments at St. Thomas Church in Millis. She was a 1956 graduate of Millis High School where she was class secretary, three sport athlete and cheerleader.
Mary was a graduate of the Mansfield Beauty Academy and loved every minute of her 60 year career of being a hairdresser. Many clients and fellow hairdressers remained friends till this day.
Mary met the love of her life, Walter “Al” Cusson, at Rosetti’s restaurant in Medway and they were married January 17, 1959. They settled in Franklin to raise their family where Mary was a Girl Scout leader, Boy Scout den mother, a member of the school parent communications council, a cheerleader coach and involved with the Franklin Charger organization for over 25 years.
Mary was a strong, deeply faithful woman who was always optimistic and vivacious.
Whether it was dancing with her husband Al, sewing elegant clothes for herself and the kids or hosting epic family gatherings she did it all with gusto and unlimited energy. She traveled the U.S. and many parts of the world, took up golf at the age of 50, played bocce and even if she just was watching wheel of fortune with her kids, there was always a creative, stylish flair to everything Mary did.
Her family and especially her nieces would describe her as wonder woman, a phenomenal role model, and someone who they aspired to be just like.
Mary loved her family, her little pup Lucky and her MA, FL and NH friends passionately.
Her children will miss her beautiful bright smile and the sparkle in her eyes that greeted them every time they came through her door. Her laughter and words of encouragement and support were a constant reminder of how deeply they were loved and how fortunate they were to have such a wonderful mother.
Mary is survived by her children, Donna Marie of East Falmouth, Mark of Woonsocket, RI and Eric of Franklin. Her brother John Willinski Jr. and his partner Cynthia Katzeff of Port Charlotte, FL. She is also survived by her granddaughter Jessica Cusson and her partner Jason Parenteau, her granddaughter Alyssa Cusson, grandson Mathew Cusson, great granddaughter Dezarae Cusson and great grandson Jason Parenteau Jr. as well as many nieces and nephews. She loved everyone very deeply.
Mary is pre-deceased by her beloved husband Walter (Al), her granddaughter Vanessa Marie Cusson, her niece Paula Jo Consigli and her special boy Noah, the family dog.
Her funeral mass will be celebrated on Thursday, June 1 in St. Mary’s Church, Franklin at 10:00.
Livestream viewing of Mass: stmarysfranklin.org
Burial will be in the parish cemetery.
Calling hours will be on Wednesday, May 31 from 4- 7 p.m. in the Ginley Funeral Home of Franklin (www.ginleyfuneralhomes.com) 131 Main Street, Franklin.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Mary’s name to the Vanessa Marie Cusson Memorial Scholarship Fund c/o Dean Bank, 21 Main Street, Franklin, MA 02038