Tuesday, October 11th, 2022
Mary Jane Stechschulte
No words can adequately describe what our mom meant to us. How do you summarize the incredible gift of being adored by the quintessential mother? She was more than we deserved. She was everything we needed. While grateful she lived for eighty-seven years, no length of time could lessen the immeasurable loss we feel with her absence.
Because of Mom, our childhood rivaled a fairy tale. Our biggest fan, she celebrated every victory and consoled every disappointment. She cherished quiet nights at home, rocking a sleeping baby, surrounded by family. Christmastime was magical: from singing and dancing to mom's piano-playing to enjoying homemade treats. Too humble to ever say so herself, Mom was remarkable. Remarkable in her strength, faith, and compassion. Remarkable in her constant service of her family and others. Content to be the stagehand, so we could be the star.
Mom and Dad lovingly cared for over one hundred foster children. Fiercely devoted to the unborn, she founded the Putnam County Right to Life. She loved her in-laws like her own children, and they reciprocated that love. So proud of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, babysitting many of them was an opportunity, never a burden. Their hugs, visits, and phone calls gave her comfort and joy, especially after losing Dad. She loved rocking them, attending their athletic and musical events, and celebrating their accomplishments. Most of all, she valued their kindness.
Mom had thirteen siblings, with whom she had an unbreakable bond. When she wasn't with us, she wanted to be with them.
Pregnant in 1964, doctors told Mom she would miscarry. In exchange for Mark's survival, she promised to say a rosary every day for the rest of her life. A debt she paid in full. How appropriate for her to die on October 7, 2022, the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. For Dad and all those in heaven, it was a "dandy" day.
Mom's Funeral Mass will be 11:30 a.m., Saturday, October 15, 2022, at St. Michael Catholic Church, Kalida, Ohio.
Visitation will be from 9:00-11:00 a.m. in church. Eulogy and prelude music will begin at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, please honor Mom by making a donation to her favorite charity, Heartbeat of Lima, 421 S. Cable Road, Lima, OH 45805.
Condolences may be expressed at www.lovefuneralhome.com.
Born: June 18, 1935, in Glandorf, OH. Parents: Urban & Mary (Giesken) Quinn. Married: April 14, 1955 to Gene Stechschulte (1931-2015)
Brothers: Cletus "Jake" (Dorothy), Louis (Ruth), Carl (Skip), Dick (Ruthie), Bob (Marty), Jack (Jean). Sisters: Margaret (Ray) Stechschulte, Mary Louise (Paul) Deters, Jeanette (John) Bowers, Clarine (Carl) Wilhelm, Dorothy (Norman) Schmenk, Emma Delores, Betty (Paul) Stechschulte. Children: Lynn & Mark Czubik, Dave & Mandy Stechschulte, Mark Stechschulte, Lori & Ron Erhart, Michele & Brian Doepker, Leslie Stechschulte, Gene & Krista Stechschulte.
Grandchildren: Craig & Ann (Dorlet) Czubik, Cristin & Blake Allen, Tara & Brian Verhoff, Wes Czubik; Hannah, Mary & Greg Stechschulte; Lauren & Sandeep Tharwani, Megan & Austin Roebke, Ryan & Alexis Erhart, Brandon & Laine Erhart, Colin Erhart; Jessica & Eric Warnecke, Mariah & Logan Roebke, Kelly & James Schroeder, Keith, Ben & Laura Doepker; Andrew, Katelyn & Ava Stechschulte.
Great-Grandchildren: Gracie, Camden & McKenna Czubik; Keelyn, Quinley & Rooney Allen; Landon, Gavin, Nolan, Addison & Aubryn Verhoff; Aarav & Ruhan Tharwani; Ezra, Theo, Lincoln, Noah & Henry Roebke; Isabella Erhart; Eloise Erhart; Kaylee & Luke Warnecke.
