Maryjane Tortoris Zummo

Our mother left this life that she so vibrantly lived for 87 years, on the 7th of December 2017, surrounded by her children. At her very core, she was a devoted wife, mother and then a “Mimi” – to her own and to the many others who adopted her. Known for her Italian flair and style which complemented her grace and her charm. She leaves behind a legacy of great love and memories. Her exceptional beauty and radiant smile that could light up any room.

Born in Beaumont to Lillie and Tony Tortoris. Maryjane was the youngest of three siblings. She graduated from St. Anthony High School and patiently waited for John Zummo to finish school at Texas A&M. Shortly after, they married in 1950. They resided next door to her parents, who raised a wonderful family of three sons and a daughter.

The warm, inviting, beautiful home she created was constantly filled with her children’s friends, grandchildren, and then great grandchildren. Her famous Christmas Eve parties and Easter parties were legendary and filled our home with music, dancing, joy and laughter. Mom treated everyone with the same respect and her own dose of southern charm. No mother could have given more to her four children and their spouses, her seven grandchildren and their spouses, and her thirteen great-grandchildren.

The outpouring of love extended to her by all of these, in her last days is the greatest testament to a life well lived and a heart that loved completely. Her consistent message of the importance of family, gratitude, persistence, forgiveness, and unconditional love is imprinted on her heirs and will echo for generations to come.

She is preceded in death by her loving husband of fifty years, John F. Zummo; brother, Joe and sister, Margaret. She is survived by her three sons, Ronnie and his wife, Suzanne; Tony and his wife, Beverley; Johnny and his wife, Theresa; her only daughter, Lilly and husband, Noel Braniff. Her seven grandchildren, Gina and her husband, Scott Payne; Tony Zummo and his wife, Victoria; John Robert Zummo; Ashley and her husband, Regis Devonish; Amy and her husband, Joshua Gascogne; Thomas Glendenning and his wife Br,ittany and Michael Glendenning and his wife, Brittany; and thirteen great-grandchildren.

We wish to express our gratitude to all who help care for her. Those who visited and cared for her daily to the friends who so generously spent the night to keep her company. Your compassion will not be forgotten.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, December 15th, at 12 noon at St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica, 700 Jefferson St. Beaumont, Texas, 77701, under the direction of Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin, Beaumont.

Immediately following is a luncheon and visitation with the family in the Cathedral Center. Entombment with the family in attendance, will be at Forest Lawn Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, contribution should go to Maryjane and John Zummo, Monsignor Kelly High Scholarship Foundation, 5950 Kelly Drive, Beaumont, TX 77707.