Olga Cusumano

Olga Cusumano age 89 died peacefully at home after a short illness, on November 19^th, 2022, surrounded by her family.  Born in Villalba, Puerto Rico, one of 7 children, she left home at 16 for New York City to begin a better life.  She faced many obstacles, but she overcame them with her strong will, great courage and her can-do attitude.  Olga worked in the NY garment industry in Manhattan and became a professional seamstress.  Eventually she opened a bridal shop making custom bridal gowns.  When Amrep Corp. began selling Rio Rancho land to New Yorkers in the late 1960’s Olga and husband Salvatore Cusumano were sold on NM and moved their family from Brooklyn, NY to Rio Rancho in 1970. 

Olga was a kind, fun-loving spirit and made friends easily.  If there was a need, she would fill it.   Her volunteer efforts over the years helped causes she believed in.  She was very involved with St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic church, she volunteered for 5 years at the Veteran’s Administration, she conducted fundraisers for many organizations.  Her friends in the Jewish community even made her an honorary member of Hadassah, where she served as their President for the local chapter one year.   Her love for cooking and entertaining was appreciated by the organizations she was a member of.     Her love for helping people evolved into helping her senior friends as they aged.  Eventually she and her daughter opened one of the first assisted living homes for seniors in Rio Rancho.  They operated three homes starting with Harmony House in 1997 through 2022. The business served seniors and their families in Rio Rancho for over 25 years.

Olga’s curiosity and love for life was apparent in all she did.  In her retirement she bravely traveled alone to all 7 continents, visiting many countries around the world and meeting new people.        

Olga is survived by her son Rene Cusumano and her daughter Margaret Surrock, 5 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren, sisters and brothers, nephews, nieces and cousins scattered across the USA and Puerto Rico.  All loved her dearly.  She will be remembered as a gutsy, fiery, fun person with a zest for life.  May she rest in peace.

Special thank you to Compassus Hospice for their attentive and supportive staff.   

A mass will be held at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church on Friday, December 2 at 10:30 am, followed by a visitation at 11:30 am and a reception at 12:00 pm in the St. Thomas Aquinas Parish Hall.