Mary R. Vargo

Perhaps they are not stars in the sky, but rather openings where our loved ones shine down to let us know they are happy. As Mary Rose (nee Decosimo) Vargo left this world on Saturday, January 11, 2025, a single star shone bright amidst a cloudy sky-a gentle reminder of her radiant spirit. Surrounded by the love and comfort of family, Mary joined her heavenly family peacefully at the age of 98.

A shining star in every sense, Mary illuminated the lives of all who were fortunate enough to know her. For nearly a century, her light-brilliant, steady, and warm-brought joy, love, and comfort to her family, friends, and community. She will forever be a guiding light in the hearts of those she leaves behind.

Born in Smock, Pennsylvania, on June 17, 1926, to Dominick and Rosa (nee Godin) Decosimo, Mary's Italian and French heritage shaped her deeply compassionate, generous, and loving nature. Her independent spirit and grit were hallmarks of her everyday life-a life marked by love, resilience, and grace.

She shared 56 years of marriage with her beloved husband, Army World War II veteran Joseph E. Vargo, as they built a home and family in Willowick, Ohio. Their story was a testament to partnership and devotion, and together they created a legacy of love that continues to flourish through generations.

Mary's greatest joy was her family. Her home, filled with the aroma of homemade spaghetti and pierogies, became a haven for holiday gatherings brimming with laughter, love, and cherished traditions. Her garden-lush with tomatoes, zucchini, and peppers-reflected her connection to nature and her nurturing spirit. Every stitch of her crochet and sewing projects carried her thoughtful care and devotion.

A woman of deep faith, Mary was a devout Catholic who instilled the values of love and prayer in her children and grandchildren. She was a lifelong member of St. Mary Magdalene Church in Willowick, where her presence was cherished by many in the parish.

Mary's warmth, her radiant smile, and her soul-reaching blue eyes left an indelible mark on everyone she met. She gave selflessly and treated everyone she encountered as family, building a community of friends from church, the YMCA, Tops, and her neighborhood.

Her love knew no bounds and extended to every role she held dear-beloved wife to Joseph E. Vargo (deceased); devoted mother to Rosemary (Bob) Fox, Donna Swanda, and Debbie (Jeff Sr. - deceased) Forsberg; loyal sister to Joseph (Rachel) Decosimo, and the late Robert and (Mary - deceased) Decosimo, and Angelina (Chuck - deceased) Gibson; cherished grandmother to Kelly (Jim) Hermann, Julie (Darrell) Dupuis, Danielle (Chris) Coleman, Erik Swanda, Jessica (Alex) Berger, and Jeffrey Forsberg Jr.; treasured great-grandmother to Michael (Kasey) Tidrick, Sarah (George) Beem, Savannah Swanda, McKenna Coleman, and Dustin Dupuis; and proud great-great-grandmother to Easton, Auston, Kaston, and Madisyn Tidrick; and caring aunt to many nieces and nephews. Mary's legacy is one of infinite love, unwavering devotion, and quiet strength.

Family and friends are invited to pay tribute and celebrate Mary's remarkable life at The DeJohn-Flynn-Mylott Funeral Home of Willoughby Hills, 28890 Chardon Road (between Bishop Rd. and Rt. 91), on Saturday, January 18, 2025, from 11AM - 1PM.

A funeral service in celebration of her life will immediately follow at 1PM.

Burial will take place after the service at Western Reserve Memorial Gardens.

As the stars light up the night sky, we will forever look up and see Mary's light-a reminder that love is eternal, and her spirit will forever shine down upon us.