The Mass of the Resurrection celebrating the life of Jean Ann Hoffman Waybright on Monday, January 18, 2021 was an opportunity for her family and friends to give thanks for her full and generous witness to living Gospel values. Her life in Christ began with her baptism at St. Mary, where she also was welcomed into full communion with the church through the Sacraments of Holy Eucharist and Confirmation.
The life of Gerald Patrick Gallagher, a man with diverse talents and interests, was remembered when family and friends gathered for a Memorial Mass on Wednesday, January 13, 2021. His wife, Joyce, chose to place his photo near a wreath, as a symbol of immortality; that, like the wreath, which has no beginning and no end, so too is our life with God.
Catherine (Kit) Susan Maxwell began her life in Christ through baptism as an infant in St. Mary Church. She completed her initiation through the sacraments of Holy Eucharist and Confirmation at St. Mary and later married her beloved husband, George Maxwell at St. Mary on August 18, 1956.
A small gathering of family gathered to celebrate the Eucharist on Saturday, December 19, 2020, giving thanks to God for the life of Ann Helen Krause. It was Ann’s desire that her memorial mass be a time of happiness and joy. The music and scripture readings she chose in advance, set the tone for celebration: “When the Saints Come Marching In”; “Be Not Afraid”; “Here I Am, Lord”; and “I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light”!
A joyful celebration of the life of Michael James Yaeger took place on Saturday, December 12, 2020, as his family and friends gathered for the Mass of the Resurrection. Many family members took an active role as lectors, pallbearers, and processional attendants. Family friend Fr. Brian Chabala concelebrated with Fr. David Burgard.
The family of Joyce Ann Eby gathered to celebrate her long and faith-filled life on Wednesday, November 16, 2020. Her great-nephew and newly ordained priest, Fr. Mark Tibai presided at the Mass of the Resurrection celebrating God’s goodness and mercy made evident in her life. Along with her husband, Bill (d. May 17, 2020), and her brother, Ronald Yensch, Joyce enjoyed traveling to the Smokey Mountains, Toronto, and on the Algona Snow Train in Sault Ste. Marie. Weekend jaunts saw the trio visiting Michigan festivals and fairs.
Family and friends from near and far gathered to celebrate the long and faith-filled life of Jeanne Catherine Byron. Jeanne valued her Catholic education, and along with her husband (Albert d. 2003) ensured that each of their seven children would have the same opportunity and blessings afforded by Catholic education. She was a frequent cheerleader at all events that her children and grandchildren participated in.
The immediate family of Gay Jean Criscio gathered on Friday, December 4, 2020, to celebrate God’s faithful love and her new and eternal life. Baptized in the Lutheran faith, Gay entered the Catholic Church through the process of RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults). She took seriously the command of Jesus: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations. . . . . teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” (Matthew 18:19-20).
Family and friends of Daniel George Toro gathered to celebrate the Mass of the Resurrection and entrust his soul to the love and mercy of God. One of seven children, Dan enlisted in the US Marine Corps at the age of eighteen. He served during the Vietnam conflict and was honorably discharged in 1967, earning the Vietnam Service Medal and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, as well as the National Defense Service Medal.
Shirley Edmonds spent forty years caring for others at Mercy Memorial Hospital. Nurturing both adults and children alike, her work which spanned forty years, fostered healing and peace.
Friends and family gathered with gratitude for the life and witness of Karl Mathe. Karl was a faithful usher, who along with his beloved wife, Carolyn, came to the 7:30 am Mass each Sunday to serve God and God’s people. Born in Andreasberg, Germany, Karl immigrated to the United States in 1951. Joining the Michigan National Guard the year after his arrival and he was then drafted into the US Army during the Korean War. He received his U.S. Citizenship while stationed for eighteen months in France and continued to serve his country honorably into the 1960s.
Donna Gertrude Haley achieved the distinction of being a versatile artist and winning recognition for her oil paintings, wood carvings, charcoal drawings, and hand-built pottery. After raising her family, she enrolled at Monroe County Community College majoring in art. Her artistic gifts were enhanced through the associations she made through the Toledo Artist Guild, Toledo Museum of Art, and Woodcarvers of Monroe.
Grateful for the gifts of his life the family and friends of William Louis Barron, gathered to celebrate his earthly, as well as his new life in Christ on September 23rd. Remembering all that he shared, and his impact upon his family, Bill was entrusted into the loving hands of the God who created him.
A memorial Mass for Larry Joseph Bross was celebrated on Saturday, September 26 when his family and friends gathered to give thanks for his life and the blessings he brought to others. Larry worked hard and played hard. He worked for more than 36 years at the GM Powertrain Plant in Toledo as a Heat Treat Specialist. He also worked hard in operating the Palmyra Speedway for several years.
Patricia Anne Bandoni, a Monroe native was a devoted mother, avid gardener and loyal friend. A Fedex employee for more than 30 years, she also worked for five years as a flight attendant for Eastern Airlines. Patricia spent 30 years of her life in southern Florida, recently returning to Monroe, her hometown. In her youth she excelled in synchronized swimming and enjoyed playing the clarinet. To Patricia’s daughter, Alyssa, St. Mary Parish extends its prayerful support during this difficult time. May all of your memories of time shared with your mother fill you with peace and the hope that one day you will be reunited with her in the Kingdom of God.
Family and friends of Joan Therese Schmitz gathered for a Memorial Mass celebrating her earthly life and her new life in Christ. A woman of many talents, Joan served others as a beautician, and expert seamstress. Her creative spirit extended to the creation of patterns and garments for her infirmed and wheelchair-bound clients. A passion for sewing led her to collect, clean and repair antique sewing machines. Living a full life, she also enjoyed going golfing, perch fishing, attention to the stock market and playing bridge.
The family and friends of Marvin Arnold Krueger gathered to celebrate the Mass of Chrisan Burial. With grateful hearts they thanked God for his presence in their lives and Gods’ faithfulness throughout the challenging mes of his life. An Army veteran, Marv served as an MP achieving the rank of Sargent during the Vietnam era. He served his faith community as an usher (most recently at the 10:00 am Mass), as an acve member and past Grand Knight of the Monroe Council 1266, Knights of Columbus, and a cook for the St. Mary Parish Friday God Works! dinners.An avid sportsman, Marv enjoyed hunng and everything associated with this sport.
Victoria Louisa Free was the beloved child of Victor and Alice Free. She was blessed with a happy and joyful spirit and enjoyed being around her family and friends who gathered on Thursday, July 16th to give thanks and praise to God for the giA of her earthly and eternal life. Vicky was a member of our Saturday Morning “Faith Sharing” group for several years. She also looked forward to par'cipa'ng in the Special Olympics compe'ng in the area of swimming and winning many awards and medals.
Mary Constance Rock was characterized by her children as a woman “full of life.” Her creave gis were manifested through her sewing abilies. Not only did she make most of her own clothes, but she devoted me to making doll clothes as well. A longme member of St. Mary Parish, Mary faithfully brought dessert for our weekly God Works! dinners. She enjoyed keeping busy and her good sense of humor been credited to her longevity; living to be 96 years of age.Mary met her husband (Willard.) while roller skang.