Ida Mae Lusardi

Ida Mae Lusardi, 84 ESCONDIDO -- Ida Mae Lusardi of Olive Branch, Miss., departed her earthly life on Sunday, May 2, 2010. Ida Mae was born in Escondido, Calif., on July 24, 1925 to Dick and Camille Geisbright. She loved her hometown and lived most of her life there as a true native of Escondido. She was a member of the First Congregational Church where she served as the funeral coordinator for many years. Ida Mae was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, a volunteer for the Escondido Historical Society and the San Pasqual Historical Society and an active member of Beta Sigma Phi. She also worked as an aid in the Escondido School District. In spite of many personal trials, Ida Mae maintained a positive outlook and constantly uplifted everyone around her with her beautiful smile and sincere appreciation of those she came in contact with. Her sincere gestures of the thanks and appreciation continued until her death. Her marriage to Doyle Dannenberg blessed her with three children, June, Alan and Joyce. She wed Leroy Lusardi in 1973 and her extended family added to her rich life. Ida Mae was preceded in death by her husband, Leroy Lusardi; her son, Alan Dannenberg; and her daughter, Joyce Camille Lawrence. She leaves her daughter and son-in-law, June and Dale Marksberry of Byhalia, Miss.; her son-in-law, Steve Lawrence of Santa Fe, N.M.; her step- children, Lynn and Lois Lusardi of Lovelock, Nev., Diane Lusardi of Missoula, Mont., Frank Lusardi of Chico, Calif., and Tony Lusardi, Colo. She also leaves four grandchildren, Jennifer (Pete) Kolva, Camille (Joel) Brantley, Scott (Jenn) Marksberry, and Makena Lawrence; and five great-grandchildren, Lily Kolva, Jake and Evie Brantley and Wyatt and Caleb Marksberry; as well as 11 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren from the Lusardi family. A memorial service will be held in July at the First Congregational Church in Escondido. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Escondido Historical Society or Collierville Tennessee Young Life. Sign the Guest Book online obits.nctimes.com