Mary Susan Canarecci

After a tough fight with endometrial cancer, it is with great sadness that we announce the death of Mary Susan Canarecci on August 24, 2023 at the age of 73.

The only daughter to Michael and Valerie Jaksa, Mary was raised with her three brothers David (Judi), John (Juli), and James (Alison) in Gary, Indiana. She married James Dante Canarecci in 1975 and raised daughters Katherine 'Katie' and Angela 'Angi' in Lafayette, Indiana. An excellent host, Mary's family dinners were filled with good food, family stories and laughter. All were welcome at her table.

A math teacher by trade, most of her career was at Central Catholic Jr Sr High School in Lafayette, IN, and Gibault Children's Services in Terre Haute, IN. Her primary focus was challenging her students to think. Her philosophy was to "teach children and hope they learn a little math." During her career, she was honored with a grant from the National Science Foundation and collaborated with the Indiana Department of Education as it developed the ISTEP. After her retirement, she continued to care for children by becoming a CASA volunteer.

While teaching at CC, she met some of her greatest friends - Mary Ellen Crose, Joyce Gates, and Mindy O'Neil. "The Ladies," as her daughters nicknamed them, laughed their way through adventures at the lake and many hands of double deck euchre. Luncheons with the "Silver Knights," a group of retired CC teachers, made monthly trips to Lafayette a must.

When she moved to Terre Haute, she met other great friends through her work with Gibault Children Services and Vigo County CASA. Three in particular were – a fellow teacher Karen Olsen, CASA volunteer Linda Gorrell, and former Pastoral Associate Rita Burns Senseman.

A lifelong Catholic, Mary attended St. Lawrence in Lafayette, IN, and St. Joseph University Parish and St Benedict Church in Terre Haute. Parish life was important to her. She was a Eucharistic Minister, an RCIA Team member, and a "Mary Godmother" to many new Catholics. To increase her own faith and share deeper friendships, she participated in a small faith sharing group for over 20 years and attended many lunches with "The Holy Girls."

Valuing the importance of faith, family and friends, Mary lived a good life and passed peacefully.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, September 2, 2023 in St. Benedict Catholic Church with Friar Cyprian Uline, OFM Conv. officiating. Visitation will be prior to mass from 12:00 P.M. until 2:00 P.M. at the church. Inurnment will be at a later date in Lafayette. Arrangements are under the direction of Callahan & Hughes Funeral Home, 605 S. 25th Street, Terre Haute, IN.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lafayette Catholic School System, Gibault Children's Services, or Vigo County CASA.