Maria Tonia Ohenry

Maria “Tonia” O’Henry passed away in her home on Saturday, March 7, 2015. She was born on February 16, 1933 in Mexico to the late Antonio Mata and Cruz Torres Mata. She was very proud to become a US citizen in 1976 and vote. Tonia met her husband John O’Henry in Juarez Mexico while he was in the Air Force. They were married and came to Toledo. After her husband’s passing in 1971, she raised 4 children on her own. Tonia did not drive but would take the bus, cab or share a ride to go to work to support her family. She had a very strong work ethic. She was employed at Chrysler Jeep and also worked in several Nursing Homes before she became ill. Tonia was like a mother to many when her children Jorge, Nancy, John “Sam” and Joe lived on Freeman Street in West Toledo. Her home was the gathering place for many kids. She would cook and offer food to everyone that came through her door. She loved to plant fresh vegetables and herbs in her garden to use in her delicious cooking. With a love for animals, we had many pets in our home. She raised many dogs that her kids would bring home. She had a special place in her heart for friends and neighbors who were sick or alone and needed care. Tonia was always there to lend a hand or share a meal. She loved to dance and would be one of the first on the dance floor. She loved to do yard sales and with what little she made, she would always give to the poor. Throughout her illness Tonia maintained her wonderful sense of humor and caring nature. She was preceded in death by her husband John E. O’Henry, son Joseph M. O’Henry and Sister Luisa Mata. She is survived by her children sons Jorge O’Henry (Lisa), John O’Henry, daughter Nancy O’Henry-Roberts (Lew).and John Smith (Smitty) who was like a son to her. Grandchildren Donnalee Roberts (South Africa), Brooke O’Henry, Grace O’Henry, Samantha O’Henry, Jorge O’Henry, John O’Henry III, Marissa O’Henry and Ava O’Henry. Sister Josepha Mata, Brother Sotero Mata and many nieces and nephews in Texas and Mexico. Also a special thanks to Mary Louise who helped care for our mom, and her Primary Physician Dr. Thomas McAlear who my mother saw for many years and absolutely loved and his staff. Visitation will be held on Wednesday March 11, 2015 from 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. with memory sharing at 7:00 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home 5155 W Sylvania Ave, Toledo, OH. Please feel free to share a memory of our Mother. Funeral services will begin on Thursday March 12th with prayers at the funeral home at 9:15 a.m. followed by Mass of the Resurrection at 10:00 a.m. at St Catherine’s Parish 4555 North Haven Avenue Toledo, OH. Internment at Toledo Memorial Park, Sylvania Ohio. Memorial contributions may be made to any local no kill animal shelter. Online condolences may be shared at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com.