Obituary of Mary Elizabeth Strawbridge

Saybrook Township- Mary Elizabeth Strawbridge, 71, died unexpectedly on Monday, June 29, 2020. She was born on March 13, 1949 in Chardon Village, Ohio the daughter of Maurice M. and Mary "Ruth" McGuire Strawbridge. Mary graduated from St. John High School Class of 1967 and received her bachelor and master's degree from Case Western and Edinboro Universities, respectively. She also studied abroad at Lancaster University in Lancashire, England. She was a member of Our Lady of Peace Parish, Conneaut Education Association, Red Hat Society and the N.E.A. Since early spring Mary enjoyed her time on Sundays under the oak tree in her neighborhood with dear friends for a short service. Mary enjoyed gardening and baking and enjoyed sharing freshly baked bread, treats, and bouquets of flowers with her friends and neighbors. She was a voracious reader and enjoyed getting together with her Women's Fortnightly book club. Mary loved traveling, most recently traveling to California to visit family and to England to reconnect with lifelong college friends. She was also a talented artist and enjoyed drawing and painting. Mary lovingly took care of her home and gardens and enjoyed taking her dog Dillon for neighborhood walks. She was an English teacher with the Conneaut Area City Schools her entire career. In addition to being passionate about teaching, Mary loved volunteering with the Ashtabula County Youth Leadership program and the Hospice of the Western Reserve. Mary is survived by her brother, Charles C. (Diana) Strawbridge; nephews, Timothy and Bryan Strawbridge; the daughter she never had, Stephanie (Jessie) Vencill and her children, Ryanna, Ty, Myla and Brynlee whom lovingly called her mimi; she is also survived by her dear friend Chris Palm. She was preceded in death by her parents. Mary was a unique and wonderful person and will be greatly missed by her family and friends. As she did in life, she will continue to impact the lives of many through her final gift, as an organ donor. Calling hours will be held, Sunday, July 5, 2020 from 2-5PM at the Thompson-Smith-Nesbitt Funeral Home, 345 Main St., Conneaut. Mass of Christian Burial will be held, Monday, July 6, 2020 at 11:00AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 3312 Lake Ave., Ashtabula with Rev. Fr. Raymond Thomas, presiding. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Conneaut. Memorials in memory of Mary may be given to the APL, 5970 Green Road, Ashtabula or the Hospice of the Western Reserve, 1166 Lake Road, Ashtabula. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Online guestbook and condolences available at www.thompsonsmithnesbitt.com