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Mary Louise Elison Onorato passed away at home in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, at the age of 100, listening to her favorite music, surrounded by family and loved ones.She was born in Pottsville, PA, on November 30, 1924, and moved to Jersey City to study nursing, where she met Robert Onorato. They married and moved to Yonkers, NY, where they raised their seven children. In 1993, she retired as a nursing supervisor and moved to Milwaukee to be closer to family and grandchildren.Her 100 years of life were filled with music, art, and a loving family. She was an amazing singer with a natural soprano voice that was recognized when she was a young teenager in Pottsville. In Yonkers, she participated as a Sacred Heart Parish Player and starred as Mame. Mary continued to sing throughout the rest of her life in church choirs and local events in both Yonkers and Milwaukee. Mary was a gifted soloist whose beautiful singing touched many hearts at community events, including family and neighborhood gatherings.She was skilled in both painting and drawing, taking a few art classes while juggling the busy schedules of her young children. Mary continued this passion by studying Chinese brush painting for many years after moving to Milwaukee. Creating art gave Mary joy, and she spread that joy by gifting her artwork as greeting cards to commemorate birthdays and holidays. These gifts were cherished by all. She was a caregiver to children in the neighborhood and a surrogate grandmother to all who attended the family’s Sunday dinners. Mary is survived by her children: Mary Ann Onorato, Victoria (Timothy) Strattner, Robert (LaVerne) Onorato, Judith Onorato, Elizabeth Onorato (Matthew Caulfield), Gerard Onorato, and Patricia Onorato (Axel Schwolow). She will be forever remembered as Nana by her seven grandchildren, Molly Collins, Nicolo Onorato (Elizabeth Moen), Luke Strattner (Jacqueline Hickman), Marina Onorato, Kathleen Strattner, Daniel Onorato, and Anna McChain (Andrew). Nana is also fondly remembered by her great-grandchildren, Dillon and Rose Collins; Lola, Henry, and Rocco Onorato; Oscar and Theodore Hickman-Strattner; Khayman and Olivia Onorato; Lois and Joy McChain. The family also appreciates all of those who helped with Mary’s care over the past few years, particularly Shanta Evans.There will be a Celebration of Mary’s Life that will take place later in 2025. See this obituary page for updates.

Mary Louise Elison Onorato

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