Maria Messina Sushinsky

Maria Sushinsky was born in Harlem, New York, on April 23, 1920,  daughter of Vincent and Petraneilla (Belvedere) Messina. She departed this life Sunday, March 23, 2014, at Southfork River Therapy and Living Center in Salem, Arkansas, at the age of 93 years and 11 months. Maria was united in marriage to Peter John Sushinsky in NYC, New York. During their early years, Maria's profession was a Make-up artist for Television. Her life changed when she became a Professional Dance Teacher, Peter joined her in this venture with a dance studio in Miami Beach, Florida, for 35 years. This life style provided them "World Traveler" status. In retirement Maria remained active, teaching Disco and Latin dancing, training in Tai-Chi and obtaining Real Estate and Interior Decorator Licences. Maria continued to dance through life teaching Ball Room to a small group in Byron, Arkansas. She was of the Catholic Faith and attended the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Maria is survived by two sons, Peter Ronald Sushinsky and wife Elizabeth of Orlando, Florida, and Robert Thomas Sushinsky and wife Diane of Salem, Arkansas; granddaughters, Christine Singleton and husband Chris of Orlando, Florida, and Vera Perryman and husband Steve of Viola, Arkansas; four great grandchildren, Luke, Wesley, Katelyn and Abigail; several nieces, nephews, and extended family, friends and neighbors. She was preceded in death by her husband; one infant daughter; parents; two sisters, Sarah and Josephine; and four brothers, Leonard, Anthony, Thomas and Octavio. Arrangements entrusted to Barker Funeral Home of Salem.