The Gates of Heaven opened to receive Mary Sue Della Pia, of Manistee, who passed away Tuesday, June 16, 2026. Praise God for the mercies bestowed upon her during her 100 years of life. The family celebrated those 100 years on April 11 before her passing. Mary was born April 3, 1926, in Onekama, Michigan, the daughter of Sylvester and Hazel (Cone) Flarity Miller, and was the last surviving member of a large family of seventeen siblings.

As was common decades ago, teenagers were often sent to other families as household assistants. Harold and Rose Thompson became a second mother and father to Mary while she lived with them in that capacity. Over the years that developed into a life long bond so that Rose became a second grandmother and godmother to Mary’s children.

Mary graduated from Onekama High School in 1944. She then attended Grand Rapids Community College for a brief time before enlisting in the United States Army to serve during World War II. Mary proudly served for eighteen months as a medical technician. Upon her honorary discharge, she received a Victory Medal.

Returning to Michigan, Mary met and married the love of her life John L. Della Pia, at Guardian Angels Catholic Church, in Manistee, on February 8,1947. Together, they were blessed with three children; John Michael, Max, and Susan. They were united in 55 loving years together, until John’s passing on June 2, 2002.

Mary dedicated her life in Manistee to working, volunteering, her church, but most importantly to her children and grandchildren. She was employed with the Manistee News Advocate for a few years until returning to her Army medical training as a therapist at the Manistee County Medical Care Facility for twenty years. She volunteered for the American Red Cross Gray Ladies during the 1960’s and donated blood up until her 93rd birthday. The Ladies Aid Society at Trinity Lutheran Church relied upon her to supply delicious food whenever it was needed. She was the primary potato peeler for every Sauerkraut Supper. She became a second grandmother to the church’s children, especially during Vacation Bible School. Above all, she loved her children and grandchildren, attending every concert, play, recital, program, and game they were a part of. She had a special seat at the top of the bleachers at Manistee High School reserved for her and her friends for events and games.

Left to mourn but rejoicing in the assurance of resting in peace for eternity are her children, John Michael (Joyce) Della Pia, Max (Nancy ) Della Pia, and Susan Koski; She was Grandma and Nonnie to eight grandchildren, Monica (Anthony) Violante, Jacob Della Pia, Lisa ( Erik) Zimmerman, Maira(Emma) Della Pia, John (Sarah) Della Pia, Alex Della Pia, Katie Koski, and Kara (John) Timmerberg; Her legacy continues through fourteen great grandchildren, Lucas and Dominic Violante, Everley Della Pia, Loren and Isla Zimmerman, Stephen,Julia, Olivia, Benjamin and Ryan Della Pia, Logan, Murphy, and Nash Timmerberg and Lainey Koski-Graff; She was also beloved by many nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors, and friends.

As she joins her loved ones in Heaven, she will meet again her mother and father, Hazel and Sylvester; husband, John; nine brothers, Chester, Patrick, Sylvester (Buck), Chauncey, Charles, James, Victor, Raymond and Donavon; six sisters, Loretta, Gladys, Rose, Judy, Mabel and Iris; Special friend, Earl Priskorn; son-in-law, Gary Koski; and Harold and Rose Thompson.

Upon leaving the family home, Mary became a longtime resident of Green Acres Retirement Living Facility where she made many friends with the residents and staff who became family to her. The Della Pia family is deeply appreciative of Marsha directing the care she received there in addition to Dr. Ryan Sullivan and his staff, and Lora of Hospice of Michigan.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, August 14, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 420 Oak Street, Manistee, Michigan 49660 with Pastor Dennis Rahn presiding, visitation starting at 10:00 AM, and a luncheon following the service at the church. Interment will be held in Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, in Manistee, with Military Honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, Manistee. Trinity Lutheran - Donations

Oak Grove Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Manistee, is in charge of arrangements.

www.oakgrovefh.com