Mary Beth Alban

After a prolonged illness marked by extraordinary courage and unwavering determination, Mary Elizabeth Estock Alban passed peacefully, surrounded by her loving family on February 6, 2026. Her journey was nothing short of heroic.

Mary Beth’s easy, radiant smile was her signature. It lit up every room she entered and made each person she met feel seen and valued. Strength and kindness lived side by side in her, and she carried herself with grace, determination, and compassion throughout her life.

Family was always at the center of Mary Beth’s world. She and her husband, Tom, raised their sons in Hilliard, Ohio, in a home defined by love, music, and a shared sense of humor. She was an extraordinary mother to her two sons, John Paul and Michael. Staying home to raise them was a role she cherished. She placed great value on education, responsibility, and character, guiding her sons through everyday moments - time spent with things like household chores, homemade cards, eating healthy, a shared love of reading - countless lessons that shaped who they are today. Her influence will continue to shape their lives.

Mary Beth was born on January 3, 1964, in Spring Valley, Illinois, one of five children of Paul and Paula Estock. She grew up surrounded by siblings and family, developing early the values of hard-work, loyalty, love, and connection that would define her life.

After graduating as Valedictorian from Marion Catholic High School, she attended the University of Dayton, where she earned a degree in Finance. It was there that she met her husband and the love of her life, Thomas Alban. Their bond began as fellow fans of the Grateful Dead, united by a shared love of live music—a passion that remained central to their life together.

Before her illness, Mary Beth was active and adventurous. She loved hiking and visiting National Parks, finding peace and joy in nature. She passed that love of the outdoors on to her family, teaching them to appreciate the beauty of the country and the simple pleasure of being together outside.

Mary Beth also expressed her love through food, with an extraordinary attention to detail. A gifted and enthusiastic cook, she took great joy in preparing meals for family and friends. Whether preparing a simple meal or a complex dish, she was a gracious and attentive host who made everyone feel welcome.

Mary Beth began her professional career in Cincinnati, working in the accounting department at John Morrell & Co., before she and Tom moved to Gallipolis, Ohio, where she turned her focus to raising a family.

When her children became more independent, Mary Beth began a successful second chapter in her professional life, working in the insurance field and then in restaurant supply sales. Her professionalism, warmth, and natural ability to connect with people made her a valued colleague and friend.

At just 51 years old, Mary Beth suffered severe complications from treatment for cancer, beginning an extraordinary eleven-year journey. Throughout that time, she endured immense physical challenges with unyielding courage and without complaint. She was a warrior in her battle, living a medically complicated and restricted life while continuing to find—and model—joy in the simplest things. Her resilience, grace, and unwavering will to live inspired all who knew her. In the sentiment of her husband Tom, ‘I get to witness her miracle. I see it every day.’

Mary Beth ‘outshone all the sunflowers in their summer glory’ and leaves behind a legacy of love, perseverance, laughter, and quiet heroism that will continue to guide and inspire those who were fortunate enough to know her.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Thomas Alban; her sons, John Paul and Michael; her siblings, Tom Estock, Chris Estock (Lisa), Mark Estock (Carrie), Mary Fran Estock (Keith Schutz); and many extended family members and dear friends who will miss her deeply.

In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial donation to support Blood Cancer United at the link below.

https://pages.lls.org/ltn/coh/CntlOhio26/talban