Obituaries
Mary Jo Buchanan
May 30, 2025
Mary Jo Buchanan, age 74, of Norwalk, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 30, 2025, at her residence.
She was born March 24, 1951, in Norwalk to the late Herman J. and Helen B. (Wise) Hay. Mary graduated from St. Paul High School and attended Providence Nursing School. A lifelong caregiver, she devoted her life to serving others in many roles: as a governess, business owner of Always a Bride’s Maid and an in-home daycare, a dedicated worker for St. Mary and St. Anthony churches, a lead caterer for Club Amer-Ital and Catering by Design, and most recently as a deli specialist at Basset’s in Bellevue. Regardless of title or task, Mary had a gift for recognizing those in need and quietly rallying others to join her in her mission.
Mary was kind, loving, and selfless—always helping behind the scenes, never seeking credit, yet making an extraordinary impact. She only saw the good in people and lived every day with humility, compassion, and faith. Her time—every bit of it—was spent loving her family, caring for others, and living as a true handmaiden of the Lord.
Mary touched the lives of everyone around her with her gentle strength, unwavering faith, and generous heart. Mary will be remembered for the values she instilled, the stories she shared, and the boundless love she gave.
She is survived by her three children: Matt (Crystal) of Kenton, Jacob (Samantha) of Sandusky, and Emily Montvilas of Jacksonville, FL; five beloved grandchildren: Seth, Sarah, AJ, Atticus, and Kaylee; and siblings: Carolyn (Jack) Meyer, Jim (Bonnie) Hay, Marty (Dave) Nighswander, and Grace Whitehurst. Mary is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and countless dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Herman and Helen, and her brothers Mike and Jeff.
Visitation will be held Friday, June 6, 2025, from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. at the Evans Funeral Home, 314 E. Main Street, Norwalk. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, June 7, 2025, at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, 1322 Settlement Road, Norwalk, with Fr. Valerian Larawa officiating. Interment will follow at St. Paul Cemetery. A luncheon celebrating Mary’s life will be held at St. Alphonsus Parish Hall immediately following the burial.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Christ’s Community Meal Inc., 225 Williams Street, Huron, Ohio, 44839 or Huron Rescue Squad Fund, 413 Main Street, Huron, Ohio, 44839.
Mary Jo Buchanan
May 30, 2025
Mary Jo Buchanan, age 74, of Norwalk, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 30, 2025, at her residence.
She was born March 24, 1951, in Norwalk to the late Herman J. and Helen B. (Wise) Hay. Mary graduated from St. Paul High School and attended Providence Nursing School. A lifelong caregiver, she devoted her life to serving others in many roles: as a governess, business owner of Always a Bride’s Maid and an in-home daycare, a dedicated worker for St. Mary and St. Anthony churches, a lead caterer for Club Amer-Ital and Catering by Design, and most recently as a deli specialist at Basset’s in Bellevue. Regardless of title or task, Mary had a gift for recognizing those in need and quietly rallying others to join her in her mission.
Mary was kind, loving, and selfless—always helping behind the scenes, never seeking credit, yet making an extraordinary impact. She only saw the good in people and lived every day with humility, compassion, and faith. Her time—every bit of it—was spent loving her family, caring for others, and living as a true handmaiden of the Lord.
Mary touched the lives of everyone around her with her gentle strength, unwavering faith, and generous heart. Mary will be remembered for the values she instilled, the stories she shared, and the boundless love she gave.
She is survived by her three children: Matt (Crystal) of Kenton, Jacob (Samantha) of Sandusky, and Emily Montvilas of Jacksonville, FL; five beloved grandchildren: Seth, Sarah, AJ, Atticus, and Kaylee; and siblings: Carolyn (Jack) Meyer, Jim (Bonnie) Hay, Marty (Dave) Nighswander, and Grace Whitehurst. Mary is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and countless dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Herman and Helen, and her brothers Mike and Jeff.
Visitation will be held Friday, June 6, 2025, from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. at the Evans Funeral Home, 314 E. Main Street, Norwalk. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, June 7, 2025, at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, 1322 Settlement Road, Norwalk, with Fr. Valerian Larawa officiating. Interment will follow at St. Paul Cemetery. A luncheon celebrating Mary’s life will be held at St. Alphonsus Parish Hall immediately following the burial.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Christ’s Community Meal Inc., 225 Williams Street, Huron, Ohio, 44839 or Huron Rescue Squad Fund, 413 Main Street, Huron, Ohio, 44839.