Mary Margaret Ocheske

Wife, Mother, Nana, Great Nana, Friend, Writer, Poet – those are the labels that defined Mary M. Ocheske, age 99, who died peacefully at her home under a full Harvest Moon on October 8, 2025. She was born in Port Clinton, Ohio at Stop 99 on July 23, 1926. She later moved to Toledo and graduated from Central Catholic High School. A good student, she became a lifelong reader and encouraged her children to read and become educated. Her lifelong friend from the early days was Marie Smith.

After World War II she married William Ocheske, an Army Ranger veteran, when she was attracted to his large close family and his love of the outdoors. Their children included Judy (Bill) Clay, Rosella Eaton, Bill (Dawn) Ocheske, and Joy (Keith) Taylor. Mom worked double shifts as a server at Northwood Inn for thirty years where she met her best friends Addie Decker, Hannah and Mary Ann and enjoyed many years of laughter with them.

The best cook ever, she loved cooking big family dinners every Sunday for all of us as the family grew. Grandchildren included Todd (Kathleen) Eaton, Ashlie (Eric) Fritz, Jeffrey (Amber) Clay, Kelly Martin (deceased), William (Kate) Ocheske, Matthew (Sarah) Taylor, Bradley (Gabriela) Taylor, and Benjamin (Lauren) Ocheske; great-grandchildren, Logan (Mykaila), Gavin, Elisabeth, Ian, Carlie, Regan, Ainsley, Brooklynn, Knolyn, Knox, Knightley, Sofia, and Hunter; great-great-grandchildren, Bentley, Alyvia and Rae Lynn.

She was especially proud and honored to be present, with her sister Ethel, at the return of her brother, John Kovach’s body, a prisoner of war in Bataan, after 75 years. She was so grateful to US Army Sargent William Curtin, U.S. Army, the sixty plus Patriot Guard Motorcycle Club for their escort and the Port Clinton VFW.

Special thanks to Hospice of Northwest Ohio, Amy RN and HomeCare of Ohio, and Julia.

Our Mom, Nana, Great Nana:

Changed our backyard into a fairy garden for her young daughters

Search for just the right satin shirts (adding 12” fringe) for her budding rock star son

Worked five double shifts per week to buy prom dresses and whatever was needed

Nursed her husband Bill at home as she had done her whole married life

Made a mud puddle become a great lake for sailing boats for the grandchildren

Turned an empty lot into a jungle trail for four energetic grandsons

Welcomed all friends into her home with love for delicious meals

Taught us that love is all you need

Mom’s mantras “To be the best that I can be” and “Life is a great adventure” carried her through life and imprinted on her family. She will be missed by all that knew her and upon reflecting we hope she realizes that she made this a better world.

Mary’s Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, November 15, 2025 from 1:00 – 3:00 pm at the Phillips’ Barn, 1010 Bury Road, Oregon, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to go to Hospice of Northwest Ohio.