Mary Theresa Rendina, 96 years, a lifelong resident of Monroe, Michigan, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at Alice Lorraine Care Center in Monroe. Born September 22, 1929, in Monroe, Mary was the daughter of the late Joseph C. and Maria (Badalamenti) Cusumano. Mary was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith. She attended St. Mary Elementary School and was a 1947 graduate of St. Mary Academy. While in school Mary played the violin and participated in several sports. On July 8, 1950, Mary married her beloved husband, Peter A. Rendina, at St. Mary Catholic Church. Sadly, Pete preceded her in death on May 21, 2019, after 68 years of marriage. Mary was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church where she sang in the Resurrection Choir. She also volunteered at the IHM Mother House in the infirmary. Mary was a wonderful homemaker and an incredible cook of Italian cuisine, passing many of her recipes down to her children and grandchildren. She spent days preparing for holiday dinners. She loved planning and hosting celebrations and keeping her door open to company. She sacrificed and provided for her family and was selfless in helping others with anything. She advanced her children in Catholic schooling and faith and was an active supporter of school and church fundraising events. She was a devout Catholic and contributed to her Church, and many Catholic charities and organizations. Her smile, beauty and passion radiated to everyone who knew her. She beamed with pride for her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. In her later years she and her husband enjoyed spending winters in Pompano Beach Florida. Most of all Mary loved time spent with family. Mary is survived by her three loving children: Jo Ann (Wayne) Smith – Milewski of Maumee, OH., John J. (Susan) Rendina of Monroe, and Joseph Ray (Regina) Rendina of Monroe, nine cherished grandchildren, 13 treasured great grandchildren, and her sister, Antoinette (Michael) Zangara of Monroe. In addition to her parents and husband, Mary was preceded in death by a daughter, Mary Theresa, a granddaughter, Emily Kathryn Naumann, and a granddaughter-in-law, Kylie Rendina. Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 11, 2026, from 2 – 7 pm at Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd., Monroe, Michigan, 48161 where a Scripture Service will begin at 6:00 pm. On Monday, January 12, 2026, she will lie instate at St. Mary Catholic Church from 10:00 am where Mass of the Resurrection celebrating Mary’s life will begin at 11:00 am. Fr. David Burgard will be the celebrant and Deacon Michael Stewart will be the homilist. Entombment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Monroe. Memorial contributions are suggested the IHM in Monroe. Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com.
