Mary Lou Criss

Mary Lou Criss, 92, of Medina, formerly of North Ridgeville, passed away on Tuesday, October 7, 2025. Mary was born in Linton, Indiana, the daughter of the late Arthur and Dorothy Dean.

Mary was raised in Weston, WV and graduated from the University of Virginia – Charlottesville, where she received her bachelor's degree as an RN. She was a wonderful caregiver to her special needs son and her grandchildren. She was actively involved in the special needs schools and their different activities throughout her life. Mary worked as a Registered Nurse for numerous health care providers. She enjoyed playing tennis, gardening, playing cards, reading, bowling and swimming. She was attending aqua aerobics until the age of 90. Most of all she loved spending time with her family and grandchildren.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Gene Criss, with whom she shared 32 years of marriage prior to his passing in 1987; daughter, Susan Brown; and her sister, Jean Dean Fury.

She is survived by her children, Kathy (Larry) Becks, Becky (Mark) Rahija, and Mike Criss; grandchildren, Chrissy (Cody) Mansfield, Stephanie (JT) Hall, Alyson (Matt) Clements, Nick (Caitlin) Becks, Josh Brown, Leanne (fiancé, Tom Horsfall) Rahija, Sean Brown, and Caitlin Brown ; great grandchildren, James Mansfield, Kennedy Hall, Carter Clements, and Emmett Mansfield; son-in-law, Todd Brown; niece, Debbie (Mike) Schulte; and nephew, Dennis Fury.

A celebration of Mary's life will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 1-4 pm at Medina Creative Therapy Ranch: 5200 Lake Road, Medina, OH 44256. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Medina Creative Housing: 232 N. Court Street, Medina, OH 44256 or online @ www.medinacreativehousing.com. Online condolences may be left for Mary's family at www.waitefuneralhome.com.