Obituary for Mary J. Vasichko (Parker)
Mary J. (Parker) Vasichko, age 79, of Wooster, Ohio, joined her loving husband to celebrate “The Epiphany of our Lord”, with the choirs of Angels and Saints in heaven. On January 6th, 2022, strengthened by her family’s love, Mary passed away at Lifecare Hospice in Wooster, OH after more than 6 years of living with cancer.
Mary was born on December 8, 1942 in Columbus, Ohio, and was the daughter of Elizabeth R. (Gerber Parker) Schultz and James W. Parker. On March 16, 1974 she married the love of her life John D. Vasichko of Columbus, OH at Saint James the Less in Columbus, OH.
Surviving are daughter Jennifer (Vasichko) George (Sam George) of Shreve and son Joseph Vasichko (Paula) of Wooster, grandchildren Zachary George and Bethany George, sister Betty Ann Rudisill (Terry Rudisill), sister-in-law Marianne Parker, and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband who passed in August 2021, Mary was preceded in death by her parents, in-laws John J. Vasichko and Louise K (Shust) Vasichko, brother John Parker, mother’s 2nd husband Lee Schultz, sister-in-law Barb (Vasichko) Loos and brother-in-law Don Loos.
Mary grew up in the outskirts of Northeastern Columbus and for a short time lived on a small farm in Southeastern Ohio near the town of Chester Hill. As a child, she was especially fond of catching turtles and caring for them as pets.
After her graduation from Mifflin High School, Mary entered the ‘Sisters of the Precious Blood’ convent in Dayton, Ohio, and simultaneously studied at the University of Dayton. Though she cherished her prayerful life, Mary discerned that she was meant to have children and a family. She moved back to Columbus and worked at Battelle (BMI) and the Borden Company as an administrative assistant and accounting specialist while continuing her education at Franklin University.
After marrying John, they and their young family moved to Holland, Michigan, for a short time before moving to Wooster, Ohio in 1980. Mary focused on raising her children before becoming a caseworker for the Wayne County CSEA where she retired after nearly 15 years of service.
For many years, Mary volunteered countless hours as a Sunday school teacher, classroom teacher’s aid, and Girl Scout leader. She was supportive of every aspect of her children’s activities. She never missed a game or performance.
Mary had a deep appreciation for nature and wildlife, especially birds. She treasured a collection of ceramic bird and animal figurines that had been gifts from her husband over the years. She also loved traveling to visit National Parks and Wildlife areas with her husband. In her spare time, she enjoyed working jigsaw puzzles, especially those of colorful nature scenes. She also enjoyed archiving family photos for past and present generations.
Mary was extremely talented with a sewing machine. She could create the perfect item: from detailed Halloween costumes to unique dolls and stuffed animals to custom backpacks or anything else that the family needed.
Though she had many interests, Mary’s greatest joy was spending time with her family that she loved very deeply. From playing games with the grandchildren to sitting around to telling funny stories, Mary loved every minute she was with family.
Mary was an active member of the Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Wooster, Ohio. Through the years she faithfully attended Mass and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, January 13, 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Wooster with Rev. Fr. Stephen Moran officiating. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery in Wooster.
Visitation will be Wednesday from 5 - 7 p.m. at Custer-Glenn Funeral Home, 2284 Benden Dr., in Wooster.
The Rosary Prayer Service will be held at the funeral home at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday.
Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to: Christian Children's Home of Ohio, 2685 Armstrong Rd., Wooster, Ohio 44691.
Words of private or public condolences may be shared with the family at: www.custerglenn.com.
Mary was born on December 8, 1942 in Columbus, Ohio, and was the daughter of Elizabeth R. (Gerber Parker) Schultz and James W. Parker. On March 16, 1974 she married the love of her life John D. Vasichko of Columbus, OH at Saint James the Less in Columbus, OH.
Surviving are daughter Jennifer (Vasichko) George (Sam George) of Shreve and son Joseph Vasichko (Paula) of Wooster, grandchildren Zachary George and Bethany George, sister Betty Ann Rudisill (Terry Rudisill), sister-in-law Marianne Parker, and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband who passed in August 2021, Mary was preceded in death by her parents, in-laws John J. Vasichko and Louise K (Shust) Vasichko, brother John Parker, mother’s 2nd husband Lee Schultz, sister-in-law Barb (Vasichko) Loos and brother-in-law Don Loos.
Mary grew up in the outskirts of Northeastern Columbus and for a short time lived on a small farm in Southeastern Ohio near the town of Chester Hill. As a child, she was especially fond of catching turtles and caring for them as pets.
After her graduation from Mifflin High School, Mary entered the ‘Sisters of the Precious Blood’ convent in Dayton, Ohio, and simultaneously studied at the University of Dayton. Though she cherished her prayerful life, Mary discerned that she was meant to have children and a family. She moved back to Columbus and worked at Battelle (BMI) and the Borden Company as an administrative assistant and accounting specialist while continuing her education at Franklin University.
After marrying John, they and their young family moved to Holland, Michigan, for a short time before moving to Wooster, Ohio in 1980. Mary focused on raising her children before becoming a caseworker for the Wayne County CSEA where she retired after nearly 15 years of service.
For many years, Mary volunteered countless hours as a Sunday school teacher, classroom teacher’s aid, and Girl Scout leader. She was supportive of every aspect of her children’s activities. She never missed a game or performance.
Mary had a deep appreciation for nature and wildlife, especially birds. She treasured a collection of ceramic bird and animal figurines that had been gifts from her husband over the years. She also loved traveling to visit National Parks and Wildlife areas with her husband. In her spare time, she enjoyed working jigsaw puzzles, especially those of colorful nature scenes. She also enjoyed archiving family photos for past and present generations.
Mary was extremely talented with a sewing machine. She could create the perfect item: from detailed Halloween costumes to unique dolls and stuffed animals to custom backpacks or anything else that the family needed.
Though she had many interests, Mary’s greatest joy was spending time with her family that she loved very deeply. From playing games with the grandchildren to sitting around to telling funny stories, Mary loved every minute she was with family.
Mary was an active member of the Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Wooster, Ohio. Through the years she faithfully attended Mass and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, January 13, 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Wooster with Rev. Fr. Stephen Moran officiating. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery in Wooster.
Visitation will be Wednesday from 5 - 7 p.m. at Custer-Glenn Funeral Home, 2284 Benden Dr., in Wooster.
The Rosary Prayer Service will be held at the funeral home at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday.
Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to: Christian Children's Home of Ohio, 2685 Armstrong Rd., Wooster, Ohio 44691.
Words of private or public condolences may be shared with the family at: www.custerglenn.com.