Mary Elizabeth Lutz

Mary Elizabeth Lutz (Edminister, LoCascio)

May 18, 1927 - May 22, 2025

Mary was born in Akron, Ohio to Joseph Allen Edminister and Elizabeth Catherine Edminister (Gatesman). She was the first of three children, Joseph Allen Jr. and John Paul. 

Mary graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Notre Dame College in 1949 before marrying her first love, Anthony LoCascio, at St. Martha's Catholic Church in Akron, OH. Mary and Tony had two biological children, Orsola in 1954 and Thomas in 1956, fostered many babies, and adopted their daughter, Ann in 1963. 

She completed her Masters of Science and Social Administration at Case Western Reserve University in 1954. She worked at Akron Children's Hospital before becoming their founding director of the Social Services Department in 1971. After a courageous battle with M.S., Tony passed January 20, 1980. Ever devout and faith-filled, she fought her way from grief to hope when an endearing personal ad brought Gilbert Lutz into her life. Mary and Gil were happily married at St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Akron on April 7, 1984, and remained so until he passed on January 5, 2024.

Mary volunteered in Catholic parishes across Akron, playing piano and organ, singing in the choir, and serving with the Altar Society. She and Gil volunteered at the Geauga County Public Library in Chesterland, Ohio for several years. They regularly attended mass at St. Hilary Church in Fairlawn, Ohio.

She was lovingly called "Bama" by her grandchildren and always made sure her cookie jar was full, a puzzle was on the table to help with, and flowers were blooming in her garden. 

Mary is predeceased by her parents, first husband Tony, second husband Gil, youngest brother John Paul, daughter Orsola, son Tom, and grandson Kevin. Her legacy lives in her brother Joe (Nina), daughter Annie, grandson Padraic (Mandy), granddaughter-in-law Traci, granddaughters Aubrey (Jacob) and Carmella (Christopher), three nephews, one niece, eight great grandchildren, stepson Roald (Suzanne), stepdaughters. Melinde (Don) and Seabright, five step-grandchildren, five step-great grandchildren, and an invaluable, loving aide Diamond.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at 11am at St. Vincent de Paul Church where friends may call one hour prior to the mass.

Inurnment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.

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