Mary Ann Howard

MARY ANN ROSE FISCHER HOWARD

March 23, 1936 – January 4, 2026

Mary Ann Howard of Oregon, OH, passed away peacefully while sleeping in her favorite chair Sunday, Jan. 4 surrounded by family and friends, including her beloved dog Bailey asleep in her lap as usual.

Mary Ann was preceded in death by her beloved husband Gerald “Jerry” of 60+ years; as well as her parents, Fred & Mabel Fischer; her sister, Bonnie Heid Dussia; her brother, William “Bill” Fischer; her son-in-law, Larry Newbern; and her daughter-in-law, Karen Howard. To keep her memories and stories alive, Mary Ann is survived by her 4 children, all born and raised in Toledo, Oh: Jodi Newbern (Larry) of Virginia Bch, VA; Gerald Jr. ” Jerry” Howard (Karen) of Oregon, OH; Lauri Gulliford (Christopher) of Union, OH; and Thomas “Tom” Howard (Lesia) of Newport News, VA. Mary Ann was a loving and devoted Grandmother to her nine precious grandchildren: John Moomey; Hannah Gulliford Alessandria (Joey); Helen Gulliford (Philip Oberlin); Evan Howard (Heather); Benjamin Gulliford (Kelly); Amanda Newbern; Leah Howard Appleton (Shane); Kevin Newbern (Nadya); Lauren Howard; and her great-grandchildren: Catcher Moomey; Layken Howard.

Mary Ann was also loved and will be sorely missed by all her nieces, nephews, great-nieces & nephews, as well as her many treasured friends and neighbors from over the years. Mary Ann is known for her warm, quick smile, her kind & comforting words, her unselfish generosity, and for her “legendary” cheeseballs, and devilled eggs. Throughout her life she was the consummate volunteer, whether it be at her kids’ schools, staffing a booth at a festival or knitting baby things for new moms or hats and gloves for the homeless. Mary Ann was a talented crafter and skilled in all kinds of needlework; she was an avid knitter, and could always be found somewhere clicking her needles, creating something for someone, even donating mittens and hats to “Mom’s house.” Went back to work as an x-ray tech in the mid 1970’s working at St. Vincents, then retired doing mammography at WomanCare in Toledo.

Mary Ann was very active in St. Catherine’s parish and church activities for many years. She was a Den Mother for Cub and Boy Scouts, and in Girl Scouts she did it all, from troop leader to area organizer; even being a day camp counselor for both Boy and Girl Scouts. She loved hiking, camping, and all outdoor activities. Mary Ann loved to plan and host cookouts, trips, and parties. Mary Ann also had a bright green thumb and could take any sick plant and give it back its vitality. She loved gardening and working in the yard. Mary Ann hated being in the spotlight, and was always more comfortable behind the scenes. She was a “Do-er” – if something needed doing, she did it, with flair, and you knew it would be done better than right.

Mary Ann was born in Monroe, MI., and moved to Toledo for her medical training. While working at St. Charles, she met Jerry and married the love of her life on 7/26/1958. They lived and raised their family on North Haven in Toledo for many years until downsizing in 2009 and moving to Oregon, OH. Her family wishes to express special thanks and gratitude to all her “Angels,” who cared for her so lovingly over the past few years.

You’ll forever be in our hearts.