Obituaries

Mary Jane St. John died peacefully on October 7th in the presence of her children at Mercy Hospital Perrysburg under the care of Hospice of Northwest Ohio after a brief illness.

She was born and grew up on the family farm in Perrysburg Township, the daughter of Elmer and Ethel (Davis) Kistler. She had two brothers, Marion “Bud” and Franklin. She attended Glenwood Elementary School and graduated from Perrysburg High School class of 1945 where she was a varsity cheerleader and took part in many clubs and activities.

After high school, Jane worked at the Libbey-Owens-Ford Glass plant in Rossford where she met her future husband, Donald A. St. John. They were married at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church on April 16, 1948, and celebrated 67 years of marriage prior to Don’s passing in 2014. They were blessed with two children, Robert (Maureen) and Susan Brown (Robert).

Mary Jane was a very involved stay-at-home mom and wife; an accomplished seamstress, a great cook and baker, and maintained a welcoming house. She was a Sunday school teacher, Cub Scout, Brownie and 4-H leader, and supported the Lake High School Band and Athletic boosters.

Mary Jane was both artistic and athletic. She was an accomplished painter using oils, acrylics and watercolors. Of course, she was her own worst critic. In grade school she played softball (under the tutelage of famed Troy Luckey coach Frenchy Filiere) and played tennis and golf into her 80’s with her husband and numerous friends.

Mary Jane and Don lived in Lake Township, retired to Winter Haven, Florida and finally returned home to Perrysburg to be close to family. Together, Jane and Don enjoyed travelling, playing golf, bridge, boating and fishing.

Mary Jane was preceded in death by her parents, both brothers and husband. She is survived by her son Robert St. John (Maureen) and daughter Susan Brown (Robert), grandchildren, David Brown (Jeanette), Michelle St. John-Brunner (Robert), Marc St. John, Michael St. John (Jessica), and great grandchildren Alyssa and Sydney Brown, Isla and Imogen Brunner, and Xavier St. John. Jane’s greatest joy was her family.

The family wishes to thank Jane’s caregivers at St. Clare Commons, and also the professional staffs at both Mercy Hospital Perrysburg and Hospice of NW Ohio. Anyone wishing to donate in Mary Jane’s name are asked to consider Zoar Lutheran Church or Hospice of NW Ohio.

Services for the immediate family will be private.