Mary Helen (Newson) Roessner

Born July 27, 1921, to Harry Garfield Newson and Lura Elizabeth Strawbridge in Titusville Pennsylvania, Mary grew up in Titusville, Pa graduating from Titusville High School in 1939. As a cheerleader for four years and a member of the varsity club, she was noted for being a fun-loving girl, full of vim and vigor. 

After high school, she began flight training in a J-3 Piper Cub, and in 1941 she broke ground as the first woman draftsman employed at the Struthers Wells Corporation.

She married the love of her life, Robert C. Roessner on November 9, 1943, and they had four boys, Robert (Kim), Vincent, David, and Steven.  

After raising her boys, she received her Bachelor of Science in Education Degree from Lake Erie College in 1964 and went on to earn a Masters in Education Degree from Edinboro College in 1976. Mary had a passion for education, and taught elementary for the Painesville Township Board of Education at Merrich Hutchinson, Leroy and Hale Road Schools and even taught in Venezuela and the Dominican Republic.

Mary’s many talents were not limited to her professional endeavors. She loved art and was accomplished in oil and watercolor painting. She became a skilled weaver, spinning and dying her own wool using dyes made from plants native to northeast Ohio. Her legacy in the arts continues, as she combined her love of art and education by lovingly instructing her children and grandchildren, in many mediums, including crayons, water colors, oil paints and weaving.

Mary is survived by her sons Robert K. (Ann), Vincent W. (Judy), David C. (Gay) and Steven N. (Sheryl). Thirteen Grandchildren, twenty-four great grandchildren and is proceeded in death by her husband Robert Charles Roessner and one grandson and one great grandson.

A funeral service will be Friday December 2nd, at 10:00 AM at the Spear-Mulqueeny Funeral Home 667 Mentor Ave. Painesville, Family and friends will be received from 6-8 PM Thursday, December 1st.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to The Hospice of Western Reserve 5786 Heisley Rd. Mentor OH 44060

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