Maryann C. (Balon) Kusnarowis, 81, of Woonsocket passed away Thursday, November 8th, in the company of family, and under the attention and care of the devoted and compassionate staff of St. Antoine Residence in North Smithfield. Maryann was the mischievous only child of Vincent and Stella Balon of Knight Street, Woonsocket. She spent her childhood with her favorite and close cousins, and neighborhood friends.
Educationally, she was a star! She was a first-class speed typist and valedictorian of her graduating class. During the high school years, Maryann and her parents made the move to Knight Street, where she would live until the age of 80, and from where she would make friends that led her to her husband of 60 years, Walter J. Kusnarowis, Jr. After high school, her skills would be put to use at the Rhode Island State House, where she would meet her lifelong and best friend, Anna Pawlowski.
Thus began a lifetime of adult antics and adventures, laughter and support. The “fun and free years” with Walt (and Anna, and other friends) changed course with the arrival of the “fun and family years” and four children: Kristen Whelan of Providence, Paula Couturier of Antrim, NH, John Kusnarowis of Woodstock, CT, and Steven Kusnarowis of Penacook, NH. Maryann devoted her life to improving the lives of her expanding family, first as a wife, then a mother, then as grandmother to Hilary and Olivia Whelan (mother Kristen and father Paul Whelan), Lindsay and Alex Kusnarowis (father Steven and mother Jennifer Kusnarowis), Kylie and Brynn Kusnarowis (father John and mother Kim Kusnarowis), and Samuel and Jessica Couturier (mother Paula and father Marcel Couturier, Jr.).
Maryann was proud of the work she did with Lincoln School Department and valued the deep friendships she made there. She was a voracious reader (mysteries and medical thrillers were her favorites), loved camping, traveling New England and especially Cape Cod, playing cards and board games, laughing and sharing at Cousins’ Lunches, and spending time with her husband and family. Although dementia eventually affected her ability to speak and write, it never touched her spirit or sense of humor, both of which were evident to the very end.
Join with the family in remembrance and support at Kubaska Funeral Home, Harris Avenue Woonsocket, on Sunday, November 11th, 2018, between 2pm and 6pm, and for a Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, November 12th, at 10am at Precious Blood Church, Carrington Avenue, Woonsocket. Burial at St. James Cemetery, Manville, will be immediately following. No flowers please – Maryann was allergic!
Living plants only, or donations may be made to St. Antoine Residence, North Smithfield, RI. Condolence cards for the family should be sent to Walter Kusnarowis, St. Antoine Residence, 10 Rhodes Avenue North Smithfield, RI 02896. More information may be found at www.
KubaskaFuneralHome.com.
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