Mary Ann Maerlender

Mary Ann passed away peacefully at Ebeid Hospice at the age of 96 on September 4, 2016, after a short illness. She was born April 6, 1920 in East Liberty, Ohio. Mary Ann spent her early years living and working in Central Ohio. In her early 20s, she owned a beauty shop; later, co-owning a second shop with her sister, Nancy. She and her husband George also co-owned and operated a restaurant with her sister, Nancy and her husband. Her love of music was evident throughout her life. In her early years, she played for musical events at school as well as church. While living in Toledo, she taught piano for over 30 years. Her pedagogy in piano was both traditional and Suzuki methods. Her music training was acquired at Oberlin College and Capitol University in Columbus, Ohio. She was a member of the Toledo Piano Teachers Association and played in the Grinnell Piano Group at the Toledo Sports Arena. Mary Ann was active in the arts community as a member of the Toledo Museum of Art and the Toledo Artist Club. She participated in numerous art fairs. Throughout her life, she painted and created art. Mary Ann was actively involved in the Order of the Eastern Star and held various positions. She enjoyed traveling over the years and visited six continents. She had fond memories of her years in Gulf Shores, Alabama where, as a widow, she met her second husband, Arthur. During that time she was a member of the Gulf Shores Library where she taught Adult Literacy and helped many adults learn to read. She was active in the Gulf Shores Civic Center as well as activities in the arts and church. In Alabama, Mary Ann was a member of Saint Peters Episcopal Church of Bon Secour. She often talked about what fun the Friday fish fries were. In Toledo, she was a member of Saint Andrews Episcopal Church. She was preceded in death by her parents, Asa C. and Grace I. (Snedeker) Harvey; husbands, George R. Prichard and Arthur Maerlender; brothers, Rueben (Nellie), Ray (Catherine) and John (Grace); and sister, Nancy (William) McKee. Surviving is her dearest sister, Crete (Nicholas) Kontometras of Athens, Greece. Also surviving are her daughters, Nancy (Philip) Pietras, Jane (Joseph) Fragomeni and Catherine (Lynn) Butterworth. She had 6 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren and many loved cousins, nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at Saint Andrews Episcopal Church, 2770 W. Central Ave., Toledo, OH 43606 on Saturday, September 17, 2016 at 11:00 AM where the family will begin greeting visitors at 10:30 AM. Memorials can be given to Saint Andrews Episcopal Church, The Alzheimers Association, Ebeid Hospice or a charity of your choice.