Mary Jane Walter, 82 of Wooster, Ohio passed peacefully on October 2nd, 2023 after a battle with a long-term illness. Mary Jane was born in Cleveland Ohio to parents Mary (Massaro) and Donald Wilson. She was raised in Wooster Ohio and graduated from Wooster High School in 1959. Mary Jane worked as a Dental Assistant and married Virgil Paul Walter on May 29th,1965.
Mary Jane & Virgil had many pets in their home for the children to enjoy over the years. The family dog, a schnauzer, gave birth to six puppies in the kitchen in a cardboard box during breakfast; a memory we treasure. There was also a cat that had more than nine lives.
Mary Jane loved her kitchen; making homemade meals for her family. Her baking skills were memorable; her chocolate chip cookies were a favorite of her children’s classmates at Parkview Elementary, where she volunteered as a ‘room mom,’ helping during holiday parties and special occasions.
Mary Jane loved music and it was a constant companion in her home. Homemaker; a role she embraced and excelled at. She was one of the original members of the Wayne County Choral Union and spent many years enjoying rehearsals and performances. She was also especially pleased that her children and grandchildren enjoyed creating art via photography, ceramics, floral arranging, ballet and music; in various choirs, along with marching, concert and symphonic bands from primary school to university.
Mary Jane loved holidays; enjoying decorating her home and gardens and filling it with the aroma of home-baked cookies and cakes. Hosting holiday gatherings and birthday celebrations was important to her; spoiling everyone with thoughtful gifts and their favorite foods and cake.
Deeply missed by her husband Virgil Paul Walter, her son, Vincent Paul Walter (Lisa) of Lafayette, Indiana; daughters; Ann Marie Shell (Jonathan) of Wooster and Michelle Renee Sheriff (Samuel) of Smithville; four Grandchildren; Andrew Walter, a Butler University graduate, Courtney Walter a Purdue University graduate, now pursuing a master’s degree at Indiana State University, Neena Shell a student at Dartmouth College, and Chayton Shell a student at Middlebury College. Step granddaughter Meagen (Sheriff) Bell of Knoxville,Tennessee. Brother-in-law Mike Shouler of Wooster, and twelve nieces and nephews.
Her grandchildren fondly remember that she loved ice cream more than most people. Trips with her to ice cream stands in Lafayette, Indiana, Canton, Wooster, and Medina Ohio will be missed.
Preceded by her parents, an infant son Micheal David, sister Donna Shouler (Mike) and her Aunt Carmella Grosjean (George/”Dutch”) who was more like a sister.
Family and friends will gather for a Celebration of Life at her home at a later date.
McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster is assisting the family.
Her family thanks the supportive and caring staff of Wooster Community Hospital Home Health Team, No Place Like Home and the Ohio Hospice LifeCare Team for their compassionate and exceptional care.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Mary Jane with Ohio Hospice LifeCare, 1900 Akron Road, Wooster, Ohio 44691.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com
We are sorry to hear of the passing of Mary Jane. Our thoughts are with the family at this time. Chuck & Connie Hohider