Mary D. Flowers

It is with profound sadness that we announce Mary “Debbie” Flowers, 79, passed away on December 30, 2025 at St. Vincent’s Hospital. Debbie was born on May 1, 1946 to George and Elizabeth (Navarre) Barrett. She attended Good Shepherd grade school and Central Catholic High School before getting her degree at Mary Manse College. She went on to become a teacher at St. John the Baptist, Owens Community College, St. Adalbert and Pope John Paul. She loved teaching so much that she continued to substitute at many schools after retirement. She also was a very dedicated CCD teacher for decades at St. John the Baptist.

 Although Debbie loved her students, her greatest joy was the beautiful family she created. She married Thomas Flowers on November 11, 1967 and had two children that were the light of her life. She was so proud to be a loving mother-in-law as her family grew. Her heart grew bigger when each one of her 6 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren were born. She was the biggest fan and supporter at countless school activities, sporting events, dance recitals and family gatherings. They were perfect in her eyes as we often referred to her as their “defense attorney”. She was “Grandma Debbie” to everyone she met and wore that name with love and pride. 

Debbie was very involved in activities at St. John the Baptist and was a woman of faith. The church was important to her as she took on many roles and activities throughout her years as a parishioner. There was no doubt that God and her faith were a priority throughout her life. 

Besides her faith, she was also very proud of her Irish heritage. Some of her favorite memories were spent with her aunt and uncle, Tom and Marion King and their family at Irish festivals and singing songs as they celebrated St. Patrick’s Day. Debbie had a rough 4 years with her health but embraced it with strength every day. She never wanted anyone to know she wasn’t feeling well or if she was struggling. She overcame so much because of her family. 

She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Thomas Flowers, who cared for her in the kindest of ways, especially the past few months. Also surviving are Daniel and Amy Flowers, Bridget and Nick Kennedy, grandchildren Nick, Casey (Kyle), and Andrew Flowers, Blake, Brennan and Carys Kennedy and great grandchildren Ronan and Ryker Flowers. Also, she was survived by many friends and family, especially her Aunt Marion King and Karen Miller. 

Visitation with the family will be held on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 11:00 am at St. John the Baptist with a mass following at 12:00 pm. A celebration of life will be held immediately following at the Catholic War Vets, 5919 Teletowne Drive, Toledo, OH.

 In lieu of gifts, please send all donations to St. John the Baptist in Point Place. 

Thank you to everyone who loved her. She was an amazing mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend to all.