Obituaries
Mary Frances Howatineck
June 29, 2026
Mary Frances (Fico) Howatineck, age 85, of Norwalk, passed away peacefully Monday, June 29, 2026, at her residence.
She was born October 24, 1940, in Pittsburgh, PA to the late Frank and Leona (Bird) Fico. She was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church, raised her children in a loving home, and worked at the former Kmart for approximately 20 years.
In her retirement years, she was very active with her bi-weekly swim aerobics group and “SilverSneakers” workout ladies. Mary immensely enjoyed the lunches and birthday gatherings with both groups. Mary was an active member of the Norwalk Eagles Aerie #711 Ladies Auxiliary. She was a longtime supporter and patron of the Firelands Symphony Orchestra and faithfully attended concerts at the Huron Boat Basin and the Norwalk Reservoir Amphitheaters. Her favorite concert was a performance by Neil Diamond and her favorite song was “Sweet Caroline”. She enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren and collecting ornamental angels and crosses. She was well known for sending greeting cards for birthdays, anniversaries and other events.
She is survived by her children, Kimberly (James) Wertenbach of Catawba Island, OH, Bill (Sarah) Howatineck of St. Augustine, FL, Jim (Shannon) Howatineck of Dacula, GA, and Cathy (Victor) Johnson of Elyria, OH; bringing smiles and filling her heart are 11 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and three paw pals.
The oldest of five children, Mary leaves three brothers and a sister; along with several nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her husband, William H. Howatineck in 2003; sons, Francis Howatineck and one child in infancy.
Friends may call 9:30 – 10:30 A.M. Friday, July 10, 2026, at the Evans Funeral Home, 314 E. Main Street, Norwalk, OH. A funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 A.M. at St. Paul Catholic Church, 91 E. Main Street, Norwalk, OH. Burial will follow at St. Paul Cemetery. The family is very appreciative of all the calls & visits she received over the past months from long-time friends & family, keeping her spirit cheerful & optimistic.
Memorial contributions, if desired, may be sent to one's favorite charity.
Mary Frances Howatineck
June 29, 2026
Mary Frances (Fico) Howatineck, age 85, of Norwalk, passed away peacefully Monday, June 29, 2026, at her residence.
She was born October 24, 1940, in Pittsburgh, PA to the late Frank and Leona (Bird) Fico. She was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church, raised her children in a loving home, and worked at the former Kmart for approximately 20 years.
In her retirement years, she was very active with her bi-weekly swim aerobics group and “SilverSneakers” workout ladies. Mary immensely enjoyed the lunches and birthday gatherings with both groups. Mary was an active member of the Norwalk Eagles Aerie #711 Ladies Auxiliary. She was a longtime supporter and patron of the Firelands Symphony Orchestra and faithfully attended concerts at the Huron Boat Basin and the Norwalk Reservoir Amphitheaters. Her favorite concert was a performance by Neil Diamond and her favorite song was “Sweet Caroline”. She enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren and collecting ornamental angels and crosses. She was well known for sending greeting cards for birthdays, anniversaries and other events.
She is survived by her children, Kimberly (James) Wertenbach of Catawba Island, OH, Bill (Sarah) Howatineck of St. Augustine, FL, Jim (Shannon) Howatineck of Dacula, GA, and Cathy (Victor) Johnson of Elyria, OH; bringing smiles and filling her heart are 11 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and three paw pals.
The oldest of five children, Mary leaves three brothers and a sister; along with several nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her husband, William H. Howatineck in 2003; sons, Francis Howatineck and one child in infancy.
Friends may call 9:30 – 10:30 A.M. Friday, July 10, 2026, at the Evans Funeral Home, 314 E. Main Street, Norwalk, OH. A funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 A.M. at St. Paul Catholic Church, 91 E. Main Street, Norwalk, OH. Burial will follow at St. Paul Cemetery. The family is very appreciative of all the calls & visits she received over the past months from long-time friends & family, keeping her spirit cheerful & optimistic.
Memorial contributions, if desired, may be sent to one's favorite charity.