Mary Eileen Paprocki

Loving wife to Kenn Paprocki and the late Elroy "Buddy" Voelzow; devoted mother to Tom Voelzow, René Voelzow Williams (Dave), Eileen Kessler (Dan), Louise Thauvette (Gregg), Sheila Kennedy (the late Bobby), Laura Miller (Kyle) and Brian Voelzow (Corrine); treasured grandma to Jacob, Joseph, Jacklyn, Danny, Matt, Amber, Caitlyn, Ryan, Brandon, Lauren, Lilly and the late Tommy; great grandma to Renee, David, Mikhaila: cherished sister of Francy, Louise, Patty, Loretta, and the late Thomas; loving daughter to the late Capt. Thomas A. Fitzgerald and the late M. Frances Noonan; Aunt, great aunt and friend to many.

Her life was a testament to perseverance. After her husband, Elroy passed away, Mary Eileen was a single mother, she worked full time while putting herself through school, she volunteered at a battered women's shelter in Lorain County. She earned her Master’s degree in Psychology through sheer determination and endless hours of sacrifice. Her strength was quiet but absolute, and she gave everything to ensure a better life for her children. Mary Eileen was a spitfire in every sense—quick with a comeback, passionate in her beliefs, and unafraid to stand up for what she thought was right. But beneath that spark was a deep well of gentleness. She was devoted to her Irish heritage and her Catholic faith and will be forever cherished by all who knew her.

A true Irish princess, born with Irish roots that ran deep, Mary Eileen embodied the spirit of her ancestors—quiet yet fierce, kind yet unshakable. A lifelong admirer of her Irish culture, she found joy and expression through Irish step dancing, where every precise step told a story older. Her love of heritage was not just something she celebrated—it was something she lived. A private soul and a gentle presence, Mary Eileen was a classic wallflower—never one to seek the spotlight, yet always the wisest voice in the room. Her advice was sought after by many and remembered by all. She listened deeply and spoke with care, offering guidance rooted in compassion, intuition, and hard-earned wisdom.

She leaves behind a legacy of resilience, grace, compassion and unwavering devotion to both family and heritage.

In lieu of flowers, her family wish to have memorial donations in Mary Eileen's name be made to resources for battered women at https://www.domesticshelters.org/, as this was something near and dear to her heart.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Mary Eileen will be held Thursday, May 22, 2025 from 11:30 AM PM at St. Angela's Church, 20970 Lorain Rd, Cleveland, OH 44126. Please meet at church.