Mary Catherine McCoy (Bowers)

McCoy, Mary Mary Catherine (Bowers) McCoy, passed peacefully on Sept. 4, 2013. She was 87. Mary had a deep love of family and had recently celebrated 63 years with her devoted husband, Charles. The two met when Mary was working in the Ohio Union cafeteria and went on to marry and have two children, Marilyn (Andrew Brewster) and Brian (Jessie). Mary, a longtime Upper Arlington resident retired with 45 years of service at The Ohio State University, also is survived by grandchildren Don (Misti), Robb (Aubrey), Scott and Cathy; three great-granddaughters; sister Hilda Cornelius; nieces and nephews; sister-in-law B. McCoy; and dear friends Ruth Haukedahl and Kay King. Born on Oct. 3 of 1925, Mary was kind, loving and quick to start up a conversation, even with strangers and especially at the Kingsdale MCL Restaurant, where she and Charles enjoyed many meals. Mary was always a go-getter and as a girl sold vegetables from the family garden so that she could buy a bicycle. Mary loved travel. As a young woman, she hopped a train to California with her sister Geneva. Once in Columbus, she looked for any chance to visit eastern Ohio, especially St. Clairsville, and often came back with a Mehlman’s cheesecake and stories to share. Every time she was able, Mary attended reunions of her Bridgeport High School Class of 1943. Mary also loved her time at home. She and Charles tuned into Lawrence Welk on Saturdays and Mary amassed a small library from which she read avidly. Mary found joy in gardening at the family farm, in tracing her family history and in watching her family grow with the addition of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a member of the International Order of the King’s Daughters and Sons for more than 50 years. Before her time in the registrar’s and admissions offices at Ohio State, Mary worked at the Defense Construction Supply Center during World War II. Mary was preceded in death by her sister Geneva Yoho, two brothers-in-law and her parents, John B.F. and Olive D. Bowers. The family offers special thanks to caregivers from Berger Hospital and Hospice and the Pickaway Manor Care Center. Friends may call Sunday Sept. 8 from 3 to 6 p.m. at Rutherford Funeral Home, 515 High St. in Worthington and one hour prior to the 11 a.m. service Monday. Burial will be at 2 p.m. at Forest Cemetery, 905 N. Court St. in Circleville. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Kirkwood Presbyterian Church, 200 Bennett St., Bridgeport, OH 43912.

Mary Catherine McCoy (Bowers)

September 4, 2013