Mary A. Carlisi

Columbus, Ohio – Mary Carlisi, a beloved sister, daughter, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 4, 2025, at the age of 65. She was the youngest of five children, born in Columbus, Ohio, to the late Samuel and Kay Carlisi.

To have known Mary was to be reminded that life is meant to be lived with integrity, passion, and purpose. Her heartfelt spirit and unwavering love for her family and friends, will be remembered – with Grace. Her love for family was immeasurable, and she thrived in their presence, creating countless cherished memories at gatherings, reunions, and celebrations. These events were often filled with wonderful food, card games, lively fellowship, and enjoying the latest Hallmark movies. Mary had a special gift for remembering everyone's birthdays, anniversaries, and other significant life events, a testament to her caring nature.

Mary found joy in a wide array of activities. She loved dancing, playing cards, and engaging in friendly competition on the tennis and pickleball courts. Walks in nature, waterskiing, and even hang gliding spoke to her adventurous spirit. Mary was also a keen traveler, enjoying annual trips to a Fort Myers Beach condo and embarking on exciting cruise adventures to destinations like Alaska, the Caribbean, and a Barefoot cruise where she helped sail along the East Coast.

Mary’s life was rooted in her strong spiritual connection, particularly with angels and Mother Mary. Philosophical discussions, prayers, and meditation were important aspects of her life. She was deeply involved in various spirituality and women's groups, regularly attended spiritual retreats from Ohio to Arizona to Hawaii, and continually studied ways to bring spirituality into action.

Through her service to others, Mary became a trained Wellstreams spiritual director, served on the team for several CumChristo retreats, participated in the Kairos prison ministry, and was an ordained minister licensed to perform marriages in the State of Ohio.

Mary extended her service to personal and environmental health. She became a certified instructor of Nia Movement and Ageless Grace. She was certified in the following energy healing modalities: Touch for Health (kinesiology) level II, Reiki level II, and Access Consciousness “Access the Bars.” She understood environmental factors influenced health, so she became a distributor for Shaklee and DoTerra, offering more holistic products.

Academically, Mary was an accomplished woman. She received numerous high school awards that merited acknowledgement by the Ohio House of Representatives. Her appearance on the Dean’s List continued throughout her university studies culminating in graduating Summa Cum Laude from The Ohio State University, attending the Honors Banquet hosted by the College of Arts and Sciences, and membership in the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi,

For over 45 years, Mary dedicated her professional life to what is now known as MBA Research & Curriculum Center. She began her journey with the organization as a part-time college student, became their Production Manager, and navigated her department through technological changes from early word processing and printed materials to a flexible online curriculum managed with customized data programs.

To have known Mary was to be reminded that life is meant to be lived with integrity, passion, and purpose. Her heartfelt spirit and unwavering love for her family and friends, will be remembered – with Grace.

Mary is survived by her loving siblings, Tom Carlisi, John Carlisi, and Patrice Gildner; her sister-in-law, Joan Zurcher; and her cherished nieces and nephews, Alana Gildner, Robert Gildner, Brian Carlisi, and Gina Hunter. She also leaves behind extended family who will miss her dearly.

Memorial Contributions:

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in Mary’s honor to Catholic Relief Services at: https://www.crs.org