Mariester C. Pavlica

Mariester Catherine (Gurtzweiler) Pavlica, 81, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 29, 2021. She was in hospice of NW Ohio’s care while a patient at SKLD Nursing home, Perrysburg, Ohio. Mariester was born on December 14, 1940, to John and Esther (Hoffman) Gurtzweiler. She was the oldest of 9 children. Mariester graduated in the top 10% of her class at Perrysburg High School, class of 1958. She worked as a dental assistant prior to her September 23, 1961, wedding to the love of her life, John Pavlica Sr. They lived in Plattsburgh, NY for several years, as John was in the Air Force. They moved back to Toledo in 1963. Mariester was a “stay-at-home Mom”, thoroughly enjoying time spent with her three children. Mariester was a devout Catholic. She was prayerful, honest, and caring to all. She was a CCD Religious Education Teacher for 1st graders, for 19 years. She enjoyed writing poetry, music, and art. She spent most summers planting flowers in her backyard and taking care of them. She had the prettiest yard on the block! She always had milkweed planted in her backyard for the Monarch butterflies too. She was a proud member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Rossford, Ohio. She was always at her happiest though, with time spent with her husband, children, and their families. Mariester is survived by her loving husband John, of 60 years: John Jr. (Virginia), Jeanne (John) Peschel, and Michael (Terri); siblings, George (Rita) Gurtzweiler, Bonnie Rakerbrand, Patricia (Bob) Schoenrock, John L. Gurtzweiler, and Howard (Kathleen) Gurtzweiler; 4 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents John and Esther Gurtzweiler; and siblings, Margaret Gurtzweiler, Paul Gurtzweiler, and Robert Gurtzweiler. Friends will be received on Monday, January 3, 2022, from 4:00-8:00 PM at Sujkowski-Walker Funeral Home, 830 Lime City Road, Rossford, Ohio 43460. A mass of Resurrection will be held Tuesday, January 4, 2022, at 10:00 AM with prior visitation from 9:30 AM-10:00 AM at St John XXIII, 24250 N. Dixie Highway, Perrysburg, Ohio 43551, with Fr. Herb Weber officiating. Internment will follow at St. Rose Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Mariester’s name to Hospice of NW Ohio, or St. John XXIII. Much thanks to Hospice of NW Ohio, especially Monica and Tracey. Also, to the staff at SKLD, especially Sydney, Nicole, and Jill. Online condolences may be left at walkerfuneralhomes.com