Mary Lou Guastella

Mary Lou P. Guastella, age 91 of Livonia passed away on July 1, 2026. Mary Lou was born in Detroit, Michigan on October 5, 1934 to her parents, the late Delma (née Shorkey) and Carl Saam. She is the beloved and devoted wife of 68 years to the late Ralph F. Guastella who passed away October 27, 2025. She is the loving mother of three children – Larry (Cali) Guastella, Dan (Susan) Guastella and Dave (Theresa) Guastella; proud Grandmother of Vanessa (Brian) Titus, Brian (Ashley) Guastella, Megan (Thomas) Fineis, Ashley (Joe) Hollinger, Daniel (Teresa) Guastella, Jonathon (Renée) Guastella, Alexis (Zachary Gambrell) Guastella and Great-grandmother of 16 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Carl (Rosann) Saam.

She is pre-deceased by her grandsons David Guastella (surviving spouse Mary Novokhovsky) and Anthony Guastella. She is also pre-deceased by her brother, Frank Saam.

Family was the center of Mary Lou’s life. Nothing brought her greater joy than gathering with those she loved. Sunday dinners became a cherished family tradition, where everyone looked forward to her homemade meals, especially her signature pasta and sauce. More than the food, it was the laughter, conversation, and togetherness around her table that created memories her family will treasure forever. These Sunday visits created a bond amongst the family, especially her grandchildren, that can be attributed to the closeness they still share today.

Mary Lou was deeply grateful for the many lifelong friendships she was blessed to enjoy. She treasured time spent with family and friends and looked forward each year to wintering in Florida. An accomplished gardener, cook, seamstress, and bowler, she approached everything she did with talent, determination, and care. There seemed to be nothing she couldn’t accomplish.

If Mary Lou was sitting down, it probably wasn’t for long. Anyone who knew Mary Lou knew she was rarely idle. She embraced each day with remarkable energy, always finding a project to tackle, a meal to prepare, or someone who could use a helping hand. She had a generous heart, quietly putting the needs of others before her own, and she never hesitated to stand up for those who needed encouragement or support. Her kindness, strength, and unwavering love for family and friends will be remembered always.

Family and friends may visit the Schrader-Howell Funeral Home, 280 South Main Street, Plymouth on Sunday, July 5, 2026 from 2:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M. There will be a Rosary Service at 7:00 P.M.

Visitation will resume on Monday, July 6, 2026 at St. Thomas a’Becket Catholic Church, 555 South Lilley Road, Canton, Michigan beginning at 10:00 A.M. until the start of the Funeral Mass at 10:30 A.M.

Mary Lou will be laid to rest at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Southfield, Michigan alongside her beloved husband Ralph.

Those who wish to honor the memory of Mary Lou Guastella are invited to consider a contribution to Alzheimer’s Association, 225 North Michigan Avenue, Floor 17, Chicago, Illinois 60601. Contribution envelopes will be available at the Funeral Home and at the Church.