Theo Chase Johns Cusato, 93, of Ellwood City went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, September 10 2017. She leaves a legacy of faith and will be remembered fondly for the selflessness, love and generosity she extended to all those who knew her.
Theo was born July 30, 1924 to the late Edward and Marie Bloom Johns in Berwinsdale, PA. She graduated from Coalport High School in 1941 and moved to New Jersey with several friends to work in war material factories. When her twin nieces were born, she moved to Ellwood City where she met her husband, Domenic, and they married in 1948. Together they opened Dom’s Market, later Dom’s IGA, which they operated for 40 years.
To remember Theo’s life is to remember “Dom and Theo” as even the license plate of their Cadillac shared their names, reflecting the life they lived side-by-side. They believed that all should hear the Gospel and were devoted members of the The Gideons International for 50 years, founding the Beaver County Camp still active today. When Dom joined the Art Club, learning to play the organ, Theo followed reigniting her love of painting. Beyond her artwork, she authored more than 300 poems recounting her love of family and personal relationship with her Savior. Her book is aptly named for the one thing she always wanted, A Gift of Peace and Quiet.
Theo is preceded by her husband, Domenic A. Cusato, Jr, who died May 27, 2015; a brother Edward Johns; a sister Evelyn “Bette” Johns Walker; and a granddaughter Renee Bastide.
She is survived by her children, Dennis (Arloene) Cusato, Lydia (David) Ialongo, both of Ellwood City, and Todd (Joy) Cusato of Toccoa, GA; sisters, Willivyn “Winnie” Stiles Tilkey and Colleen (Charles) Shepson; grandchildren Domenic, Rocco and Saverio Cusato, and Nicole Bastide; Cara (Ben) Huth, Marisa (Stephen) Mandel, Sara (Kevin) Huber; and Elizabeth (Ron) Forkey, Maria (Ben) Johnson, Bethany (Nicholas) Craig and Ben (Sarah) Cusato; and 16 great grandchildren.
Friends will be received from 2-4 pm and 6-9 pm on Wednesday, Sept 13 in the TURNER FUNERAL HOME, 500 Sixth Street, Ellwood City. A service will be held at 10:30 am on Thurs, Sept 14 at the TURNER FUNERAL HOME, with Rev. Matthew Bupp, officiating. Burial will be in Locust Grove Cemetery.
The family would like to thank the staff of Northview Estates for their kind and compassionate care. Memorial donations may be made to Gideons International (www.gideons.org).
You may read the obituary, sign the guestbook, or send online condolences at: www.turnerfh.com
Be the first to comment on "Theo C. Cusato, 93"