Mary Conner

Mary Conner, 83, of Mansfield, died Monday, November 7, 2016 at Mill Creek Nursing Home, Galion on her late husbands birthday. Born February 21, 1933 in Garrett, Indiana, she was the daughter of Emil Sarpa, Sr. and Jessie (Miceli) Sarpa Booth.

Mary was a 1951 graduate of Willard High School and attended Kent State University where she was a member of Alpha Chi Omega Sorority. She was employed as Assistant Librarian at Willard Memorial Library; executive secretary to the Director of Supply, Shelby Air Force Depot where she met her husband, Thomas Conner. She was also employed as a secretary in Mansfield City Schools for 25 years serving Stadium and Woodland Elementary Schools.

Mary was a Red Cross school health volunteer for five years, a volunteer for the Cancer Society for 25 years and was a volunteer at the Mansfield Art Center for many years. She was a member of the School Employees Retirement System, AARP, and the Woodland Buddy Group who were retired friends she dearly loved. She loved music and can be remembered in her early years as a solo violinist and vocalist in the Willard area. She enjoyed walking, shopping, visits to Lake Erie and helping others with anything that was needed. She especially loved her feline friends.

Mary is survived by a daughter, Susan J. (Dennis) of Galion, Ohio; a brother, Dr. Emil J. (Barbara) Sarpa of Los Altos, California; nieces, nephews and special students and friends in her life; and her special feline friend, Punkin.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Thomas Conner, whom she married September 7, 1957 at St. Peter's Parish by Father James Hoffman.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, November 14, 2016 at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 South Lexington-Springmill Road, Ontario conducted by Dr. Blake Wagner, Sr. Friends may call one hour prior to the service, from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m., Monday at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Mansfield Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Richland County, 3025 Park Avenue West, Ontario, Ohio 44906.