Mary Wilkinson Obituary

Mary Jane Wilkinson

Apr 24, 1949 - Jan 1, 2023

Norwalk

Mary Jane Wilkinson, 73, of Norwalk, died Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, at Cleveland Clinic after recent complications resulting from a courageous battle with cancer.

She was born April 24, 1949, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, to the late Robert and Olive (Kotacik) Schauss.

It's not enough to simply state that Mary was the very best wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She was also the keeper of her family's legacy, consummate problem solver, and staunch supporter of all those she loved. Their interests often became her very own. She relished opportunities to change mundane moments into spectacular memories. Her transformative knack for engaging with people, especially young people, made them feel loved, special, and ultimately appreciated.

Mary used her gifts and talents, retiring as a teacher's aide from Norwalk Public Schools before volunteering to work as a teacher's aide in her daughter's classroom. She was a 4-H leader, helping to develop young girls, and along with her husband, Roger, started Norwalk Academic Booster Club, promoting positive support to students.

She is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, Roger Wilkinson; their children, Lisa (Chris) Berry of Norwalk, Leslie (Damon) Smith of Maine, and Erin Groff of South Carolina; grandchildren, Mason (Tonya) Berry, Max and Megan Berry, Ruby Smith, and Evie and Ben Groff; Evie and Ben's father, Jon Groff; Roger's siblings, Bob (Barbara) Wilkinson, Lois Banick, and Margaret (Jim) Kaercher; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to Mary Jane's parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Fran Pearson; and Roger's parents, William and Violet Wilkinson.

Mary's family will greet family and friends from 10-11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023, at Norwalk United Methodist Church, 60 W. Main St., Norwalk, in the Rotunda. Mary Jane's service will be 11 a.m. Saturday with the Rev. Dr. Brian Oglesbee officiating.

Mary was a long-time board member of "First Book," an organization that provides books to elementary school children.

Memorial contributions may be directed to "First Book" in care of Payne Nichols, 257 Benedict Ave. Building D, Norwalk, Ohio, 44857. Online expressions of sympathy and fond memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.walkereastmanheydingerfh.com.