Mary Ann Oess

Mary Ann Oess, age 76, of Maumee, Ohio passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Monday, November 27, 2023 at Hospice of Northwest Ohio, Toledo. She had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in April of this year. Mary Ann was born on April 9, 1947 to Mildred and Lee Hawkins. She grew up in the Old South End (Darby) and attended Immaculate Conception. She went on to graduate from Central Catholic in 1965 and St. Vincent School of Nursing in 1968. She knew her husband forever, they dated in high school and on July 18, 1969 she became Mrs. Thomas Oess. They were so blessed to have enjoyed 54+ years of marriage during which their lives were enhanced with three sons and six grandchildren. Mary Ann assumed every role and responsibility with great energy. Every task was important, every task mattered to her and always was received with great love. She excelled in her many roles as a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, cousin, sister in law, aunt, great aunt, godmother, friend, neighbor, nurse, and caregiver. Her mission was to provide great service with much love at the highest level, and never knew of one dissatisfied customer. Mary Ann was a devout catholic who not only lived her faith but was actively involved in her parish. She was a founding member as St. Joan of Arc was getting started. She organized the early childhood education program. She was the first leader of the RCIA program, served on the engaged couples weekend encounter and was a lector at the 7:30 Sunday Mass for a number of years. While she was still working she would attend Mass at St. Pat's at 7:00. She became a lector and eventually was scheduling the lectors for the 7:00 a.m. Mass. Mary Ann's nursing career was quite extensive. She was an ICU/burn unit nurse at St. V's upon graduation, an office nurse at Dr. Stark and Carter, taught Lamaze child birth classes, worked as a home care nurse in the infant monitor program (IMP) at Toledo Hospital and lastly as a home care nurse at Hospice of Northwest Ohio. She said that completed her nursing "circle of life". After retirement, Mary Ann devoted many years as a volunteer with Heartbeat of Toledo. Recently she was recognized by that organization as "volunteer of the year". Mary Ann always wanted to reach out to people personally but she would always send comfort food. Holidays always meant baking and packaging, as she would send cookies, chex mix, biscotti and chocolates, all homemade of course. The locals received the same but also pizzas, pies, mac and cheese, meatloaf, and beef stew. All sent with a personal note expressing her love. During the Covid we believe she made and sent 400 dozen cookies. Mary is survived by her husband Tom; sons Andrew (Andrea), Timothy (Katie), and Michael (Mari); grandchildren Avery, Luke, Aiden, Reese, Karis and Carson; sister Barbara Bagnato (Edward); sister and brothers in law Pat and Bob Takats and Bill Kolva. She was also very close to her many cousins, nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents Mildred and Lee Hawkins and sister in law Julie Kolva. She would want to say goodbye to her Darby Group, close friends for 65-70 years. She was President of her St. V's class and they've met at various locations all over the country for 45 years. Each of the members of the "Basement Group", a Christian study group that's been together for over 40 years held a place in her heart. A special goodbye to her kindergarten classmate and very dear friend for 71 years, Sharon Lynch Michalak. In April, when she was diagnosed the cancer was stage 4, not curable, her choice was comfort care, "living with cancer" her words. She went from being a caregiver to a care receiver. Her end of life care from Hospice of Northwest Ohio was extraordinary. A special thanks to her home care nurse Lisa Schultz, Dr. Marcia Paul who performed magic managing her pain and the inpatient staff that were all magnificent with their love and care, she had a special bond with Olivia and Karen. Family and Friends may visit at Coyle Funeral Home, 1770 S. Reynolds Rd., Toledo, OH on Friday, December 8th from 2:00 - 8:00 p.m. where a Scripture Service and Sharing of Memories will be held at 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, December 9th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 5856 Heatherdowns Blvd., Toledo, OH where the family will welcome visitors at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers the family asks you to consider a donation to either Hospice of Northwest Ohio or Heartbeat of Toledo. Both organizations were important in Mary's life. As a final way of helping others, Mary donated her body to the anatomical donation program at the University of Toledo. In conclusion, Mary Ann would wish for you a loving two armed hug and say to each of you: "Guess What? I love you very much!" She was just a normal person that lived an extraordinary but simple life and showed us all the true meaning of unconditional love. Please view Mary Ann's video tribute and sign the online guest registry at www.coylefuneralhome.com .

Mary Ann Oess

April 9, 1947 - November 27, 2023