Maria Cutler

Maria Constance Cutler ~ Devoted Wife, Mother, Sister, Aunt, Friend and Patron of the Arts

Maria Constance Cutler (nee Monachino) died peacefully at her home in Shaker Heights on May 30, 2012 after an extended illness, surrounded by her devoted family. Maria was the beloved wife of Robert R. Cutler, III for 51 years and loving mother to daughter, Jennifer Merritt (husband Noah) of Charlottesville, Virginia, son, Robert R. Cutler, IV (wife Lisa), of Scottsdale, Arizona, and “Mama Mia” to her 5 adored grandchildren, Ricker, Katie, Wylie, Paisley and Sky, 2 nieces, Elizabeth and Kelly, and 2 nephews, T.J. and Colby. She is survived by brothers Tom Monachino (wife Joyce) of Shaker Heights and Joseph Monachino (wife Lisa) of Wilton, CT. She is predeceased by her father and mother, Thomas and Mary Monachino of Shaker Heights.

Maria was born in Cleveland and attended Shaker schools. She was raised to play and appreciate music, to adore time spent with family and friends, and above all to have faith in God. Upon graduating from Bowling Green State University, Maria began a joyful and productive teaching career with the South Euclid/Lyndhurst schools, where she taught first grade for several years. She retired to raise a family in 1964 and later returned to work serving as Manager of the May Co. Oriental Rug Dept., and later as Showroom Manager for Baker Knapp and Tubbs Designer Galleries in Beachwood, Marketing Manager for Cardinal Federal Bank, and Marketing Manager for Margaret Wong & Associates. She was revered by students and colleagues alike for her affable nature, warmth, and profound desire to serve others personally and professionally.

Maria was a longtime active devotee of the Arts and her tireless support of these organizations was legendary. Among those to benefit from her extraordinary energy and enthusiasm were Cleveland Opera, Cleveland Ballet, Pointe of Departure Ballet, the Women’s Committee of The Cleveland Orchestra, , Northern Ohio Opera League, Cleveland Museum of Art, the Junior League of Cleveland, The Music and Drama Club and the Women’s Committee of The Union Club. She also enjoyed serving as president of both The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, and The Savoyards (support group of the Ohio Light Opera Co.), and was a member of the Cotillion Society of Cleveland, and the Cleveland Yale Ball Committee.

Maria’s commitment to family led her to continuously seek opportunities to celebrate others. She particularly enjoyed hosting an annual Christmas party open to all. Maria presented everyone with the gift of laughter and her treasured friendship. Some will remember how Maria loved her Monday bridge foursomes, jaunts with her Saturday Lunch Bunch, dancing at the Fork and Fiddle and tennis and dinners at The Shaker Heights Country Club. But all will remember her vivacious personality, generous spirit, sweet heart, and devotion to family, friends and community!

At the family’s request, contributions can be made in her name to The Cleveland Orchestra, 11001 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106 or The Dr. Philip Junglas Compassion for Medicine Endowment Fund, c/o Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 2109 Adelbert Road, Suite T-101, Cleveland, Ohio, 44106.

Mass of Christian Burial Monday, June 4, 2012 at Gesu Catholic Church at 10 AM. Entombment following at Knollwood Mausoleum. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Maria at THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF SOUTH EUCLID, 4600 MAYFIELD RD. (just east of Green Rd.) SUNDAY 2-6 PM.