Mary Helen Van Cleve

Mary Helen Van Cleve, age 85, of Toledo, passed away on Wednesday, July 11, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. She was born on May 6, 1933 to Victor and Dalah (Wilson) Weis on the family farm in Liberty Center, Ohio. Mary graduated from Liberty Center High School and Bowling Green State University. She was drawn to Toledo and was a lifelong fan of the city. She was an elementary teacher in the Toledo Public Schools until her retirement, and was well loved by her students. Her positive attitude and love of life were an inspiration to those who knew her. She was the life of any party, loved people, and was devoted to both her immediate and extended family. Mary’s calendar was always full. Her many activities included playing Bridge, where she was a Life Master, golf, cooking, reading, participating in book clubs and Bible studies with good friends, meeting with her Saturday morning breakfast group, and hosting numerous parties and family reunions. She was an avid reader of The Liberty Press and The Blade and enjoyed completing the daily crossword puzzle. Mary had a strong faith in Christ and was a lifelong member of the Catholic Church. She exemplified the woman of Proverbs 31, and her children arise and call her blessed. Her door was always open, and her welcoming spirit made everyone feel special. Mary believed that a sense of humor was essential to a happy life, and she filled our lives with her contagious laughter. She was preceded in death by her adoring husband, Robert, whom she married on August 21, 1958; and her daughter, Jennifer. Mary is survived by her children, Beth (Steven) Carlson, Jeffrey (Pamela) Van Cleve, and Joan (Jeffrey) Bline; grandchildren, Kristen, Eric, and Mary Beth Carlson, Robert (Sarah) Van Cleve, Hilary Van Cleve, Rebekah (Wesley) Miller, Paul (Natalie) Bline and Molly Bline; and one great grandchild, Ruthie Van Cleve. Visitation will begin at 4:00 p.m. Friday in the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 Sylvania Ave. (west of Corey Rd.) and conclude with a scripture service at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, July 21, 2018 at Little Flower Catholic Church, 5522 Dorr Street, Toledo. Committal rites and burial will follow at Historic Woodlawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to the Jenny Van Cleve Memorial Scholarship Fund at Whitmer High School, C/O the Toledo Community Foundation, 300 Madison Ave. #1300, Toledo, OH 43604.