Mari A. DeSalvo

Mari A. DeSalvo NORFOLK - After a lifetime of service to others, Mari Anita DeSalvo, 57, died March 5, 2009, after a short battle with cancer. She was preceded in death by her parents, Leonard Anthony and Marian Powers DeSalvo. She is survived by her loving siblings, Christine (Gary) Laney; their children, Bryan (Brigitte) and Mark, Michael DeSalvo, Thomas (Candy) DeSalvo their children, Joel and Cassie, Timothy (Laurie) DeSalvo, Bobbie (Ben) Burbic, their children Tiffany and Stephen. She is also survived by a grandniece, Elizabeth and a grandnephew, Bennett. She was an empowering force in many lives. After being educated in Norfolk, she went on to do what she loved - teach. She taught in Norfolk, Washington, D.C., Baltimore and Navajo, N.M. She was very active in her faith serving the less fortunate, championing equality and justice for all. The family received friends at Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Tidewater Drive Chapel, Friday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. A rosary was said following the visitation. A funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. today in St. Pius X Catholic Church with Father Jun Balarote officiating. Burial will follow in St. Paul's Cemetery, Portsmouth. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Pius X Catholic Church, the Food Bank, Sentara Hospice or the charity of your choosing. Her family wishes to thank all her friends, colleagues and caregivers for their support, thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.