Mary Louise Joy

CANFIELD - Mary Louise “Mary Lou” (Gasser) Joy, 82, of Canfield, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 15, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on July 28, 1943, in Youngstown, Ohio, the daughter of the late Roger Eugene Gasser and Mary Amelia (Henry) Gasser. 

Mary Lou was a graduate of Liberty High School in Liberty, Ohio.

At the age of 20, Mary Lou married the love of her life, Frank James Joy, in 1964. Together they shared 61 years of marriage and built a life centered around their family. They raised two daughters: Tina (James) Humphries of McDonald and Mary Ann (James) Veneroso of Austintown.

She was a proud and loving grandmother to Zachary Humphries, Joya (Clint) Hess, Francesca (Andrew) Hover, Adriana (Jacob) Zinni, and Ashley (David) Crawford. She was also blessed with two great-grandchildren, Matteo Zinni and Calena Hover, who brought her endless joy. Mary Lou is also survived by her sister, Delores (Gasser) Snare, and her brother, Roger (Diana) Gasser.

A talented seamstress, Mary Lou co-founded her business, Quality Seating, where she poured her skill and dedication into her craft. She later served as office manager for the company, becoming a cornerstone of its daily operations.

Mary Lou was a member of St. Michael’s Church in Canfield, where her Catholic faith remained a guiding part of her life. She loved family vacations, celebrating holidays, and planning gatherings that brought everyone together. She enjoyed a nice glass of wine and had a special gift for creativity, which she generously shared with those around her.

She will be remembered for her devotion to her family, her strong work ethic, her creativity, and the warmth and kindness she extended to all who knew her.

A private funeral Mass for her immediate family was held on Monday, August 18, at St. Michael’s Church in Canfield.

The family kindly requests that contributions in Mary Lou’s memory be made to Harmony Hospice Care (Boardman, Ohio) or Angels for Animals.

Professional services were handled by the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Boardman-Canfield Chapel.