Crusifine Fugarino

Crusifine, affectionally called Chris, Ba, BAB and Mono, was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, friend and cherished member of the Hammond community, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at the age of 91. She lived a life marked by love, kindness, faith, and devotion to family, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to bless all who knew her.

Born on November 20, 1934, in Hammond, Chris was the daughter of Josephine and Andrew Mercante. From an early age, she had a gift for making others feel welcomed, cared for and loved. Whether through a warm smile, a thoughtful word, a helping hand, or a table filled with food and laughter, Chris had a way of making ordinary moments feel special.

Throughout her life, she found joy in work, faith, community, cooking, travel, service, and family gatherings. She will be remembered for her amazing cooking and baking, humor, generosity, strength, wisdom, hospitality, resilience, gentle spirit, and for the deep love she poured into family and friends.

Chris’s greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted wife, mom, grandparent and great grandparent whose love was steady, selfless, and sincere. Her home was often a gathering place, and her presence brought comfort, encouragement, and a sense of belonging to those around her.

Chris is survived by her children, Anthony Paul Fugarino, Jr. (Jeannine), Ronnie Fugarino (Bridget), Donna Smith (Reggie) and David Fugarino (Michelle); grandchildren Stephen Fugarino, Ryan Fugarino (Kim), Bryce Fugarino (Jessica), Jenna Glenn (Justin), Haley Lanter (Jon), Connor Taylor, Layton Fugarino (Payten), Hannah Perrilloux (Logan), Madison Henderson (Austin), and Chloe Martin (Matt), Kevin and Brady Smith; great grandchildren Maddox and Wyatt Fugarino, Emery, Isla and August Fugarino, Reynolds and Teddy Glenn, Wells, Channing and Jett Lanter, Watson and Chapel Fugarino, Elle and Luke Perrilloux, and Perrie and Kit Henderson.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Anthony Paul Fugarino, Sr., parents, Josephine and Andrew Mercante, her brothers, Ignatious (I.D.) Mercante and Carl Mercante.

She was blessed to have received the special care given to her by her Caregiver, Cathy Thibodeaux with Home Instead and APEX Hospice.

Visitation will be held at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, Hammond, Louisiana on Thursday, September 24, 2026 from 8:30 am until 11:00 am with the funeral service to follow. Interment will be at Rose Memorial Mausoleum, Hammond.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Holy Ghost Catholic School, Hammond, Louisiana in her honor.