Mary F. Brown age 95, of Minster, died on Friday, February 3, 2023, at Lima Memorial Hospital.

She was born September 15, 1927, in Minster to the late Urban & Neoma (Depweg) Wetzel.

On July 2, 1949, she married her husband George W. Brown in St. Augustine Church, Minster. They were married 70 years. George preceded her in death on June 26, 2019.

She is also survived by children Sarah & Jack Franzwa, St. Paul, MN, Glenn & Judi Brown, Dublin, Tom Brown, Minster, Sandy Dunlap, Minster, Tony & Mary Jo Brown, Cincinnati, Jay & Therese Brown, Minster, Roy & Elaine Brown, Minster, Carl & Amber Brown, Minster and Fr. Ned Brown, North Star; 28 grandchildren, 2 step grandchildren, 38 great grandchildren with 4 on the way, 6 step great grandchildren; siblings Margaret Slonkosky, Minster, Phil & Darlene Wetzel, Dayton, David Wetzel, Jacksonville, FL; in-laws Chris Wetzel, Richmond Heights, OH & Mary E. Brown, Minster.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her great grandson Abram, grandson-in-law Cory Michael, & daughter-in-law Cindy Brown; brothers & sisters Theresa & Dave Murnane, Bonnie & Fred Schmieder, John & Damaris Wetzel, Tom Wetzel, Leonard & Lois Wetzel, Sam & Audrey Wetzel, Gene & Cathy Wetzel, Evonne & Jim Stechschulte, infant Marlene Wetzel, Patricia & Phil Young; in-laws Charlie & Winnie Brown & Jim Brown.

Mary was a loving mother and a deeply devout Catholic, strong in her faith. As a lifelong member of St Augustine Catholic Church in Minster, she served on many committees. She was a charter member of the CL of C, member of Regnum Christi and led the Arts & Environment Committee for 15 years.

She enjoyed her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren as well as her numerous nieces, nephews, and their extended families. As the Wetzel historian, she kept count of the over 750 descendants of her parents, Urban & Neoma. Mary loved knitting, crocheting, sewing, and quilting for anyone, but especially Heritage Manor Nursing Home and the Maria Stein Retreat House.

She took up tennis at age 45 and was proud of being the Auglaize County Women's Tennis Singles Champion in 1978.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00 AM on Friday, February 10, 2023, at St. Augustine Catholic Church, Minster, with her son Fr. Ned Brown and nephew Fr. Barry Stechshulte, con-celebrating. Burial will follow in St. Augustine Cemetery. Friends may call at the Hogenkamp Funeral Home in Minster on Thursday, February 9, 2023, from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM and on Friday from 9:00 AM to 9:30 AM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Maria Stein Shrine of the Holy Relics. Condolences may be left at www.hogenkampfh.com.