Mary J. Sawers

Mary Josephine Joyce Sawers died peacefully in her sleep at The Grove on October 8, 2026; she was 100 years old. She was predeceased by her parents, James Joyce and Mary Kane Joyce; her husband, Kenneth T. Sawers (2013); her brothers, James Joyce, John Joyce, Bernie Joyce, Michael Joyce and Vincent Joyce. She is survived by her brother, Thomas Joyce; daughter, Mary L. Sawers; son, Oliver Sawers; grandchildren, Nichol Harris, Merlin Sawers-Cozad, and Heidie Sawers as well as 4 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mary Jo was born and raised in New York City, the only girl of seven children. She attended Hunter College where she earned her teaching degree. She taught in the New York school system before she was married. After she married, she taught at St. Francis College in Fort Wayne, IN, Mary Manse College in Toledo, and retired from St. Ursula High School in Toledo.

Mary Jo lived with grace, and compassion and was a zealous advocate for those who were less fortunate. Mary Jo and Ken worked with the Catholic Relief Service in Pakistan, as well as the VISTA program in West Virginia. She was a member of Toledoans' United for Social Activism and worked on local social justice issues. She served as president of the board for Bethany House, a long-term shelter for domestic violence victims and their children.

Mary Jo was a globetrotter and traveled to over 40 countries throughout her life including China, Cuba, Tibet, Ireland, and Russia just to name a few. She and Ken would often give presentations at local libraries about their travels encouraging others to see the world because they felt this was the path to a better understanding of the human condition.

Throughout her stay at The Grove, I would often hear from her caregivers about her kindness, and how appreciative she was for their care and concern and how she would often compliment them on a job well done. Many, many thanks to the staff and administration at the Grove and Ohio Living Hospice for the exceptional care Mary Jo received throughout her stay there.

There will be a memorial Mass held at Our Lady of Lourdes, 6149 Hill Ave, Toledo, OH 43615 on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at 11:30 am. The family will greet guests at the church at 10:30 am.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Bethany House or the Catholic Relief Services.