Mary Jo Cusack

CUSACK Mary Jo Cusack died December 10, 2012 in the Cardiac Intensive Care unit of Riverside Hospital. She is survived by cousins Catharine A. Regan of Evanston, Il, Mary Pirie of Springfield, Mass., Michael and Ann Regan of San Diego. Mary Jo grew up in Canton, OH, the beloved daughter of Edward and Mary Cusack; graduated from Marquette (BA) in 1957 and The Ohio State University (JD) in 1959. She was the only woman in her graduating class. That sparked her lifelong interest in women’s issues. She began her career at the Industrial Commission of Ohio and the Ohio Department of Taxation. She went into private practice in 1961 with her late law partner Francis Cortruvo. Through her personal friendships and her legal practice, Mary Jo touched the lives of many people. She was involved in many and varied organizations. She was the first woman president of the national Board of Trial Advocacy and also first woman president of the Franklin County Trial Lawyers and past president of the National Association of Women Lawyers, where she was awarded the Lifetime Service and Toch Awards, and Kappa Beta Pi, International Legal Association. She was active in local Democratic politics and served as poll watcher in the last election as a representative for the Democratic Lawyers of Columbus. She was Vice President of the Thomas Moore Society and always active in the annual Red Mass. After serving on the Riverlea Village Council for many years, she was elected mayor and served from 2004-2011. She was always active in the Pilot Club of Columbus, and served as past president. She was appointed to the Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority Board and was especially happy to have participated in the opening of the Hilton Downtown Columbus. She enjoyed all of the cultural events in Columbus including the Symphony, BalletMet, the Broadway Series, and the Jazz Arts. She looked forward every year to the Ohio Light Opera in Wooster. She loved so much in her life: visiting with friends, cuddly animals, driving the scenic back roads of Ohio, and especially decorating and entertaining for seasonal holidays such as her annual St. Patrick’s Day party. She will be missed by many friends and professional colleagues who knew of her kindness and generosity, pro bono work, and desire for fairness in all relationships. Mass of Christian Burial 10:15 am Friday, December 14, 2012 at Immaculate Conception Church, 414 E. N. Broadway, Columbus, OH. Friends may call 4-7 pm Thursday, December 13, 2012 at RUTHERFORD-CORBIN FUNERAL HOME, 515 High Street, Worthington, OH 43085. Burial St. John’s Cemetery, Canton, OH. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Pilot Club of Columbus for a statue for the Jerrie Mock Aviatrix Project, 3241 New Gate Court, Dublin, OH 43017 or the B.R.E.A.D. Organization, 404 S. 3rd St., Columbus, Ohio 43215. Condolences may be sent to www.rutherfordfuneralhome.com.