Mary O Northup

Born in Columbus, Mary moved to Texas to start a life and family with her husband. She returned to Ohio in 1978 and built a fulfilling career with Ohio Bell, later SBC/AT&T, as a telephone operator for many years. After retiring, she embraced her passion for real estate, working as a realtor and relished in helping families find the perfect home. She also loved flipping and decorating houses, always adding her signature touch of warmth and style.

Mary and Jerry built a beautiful home that became her pride and joy and very much enjoyed tending to it. She especially loved relaxing on the back porch, watching the seasons change through the trees. Mary cherished happy hours with her son Jeff and Kristie, cheering for the Ohio State Buckeyes and Dallas Cowboys, and hosting family gatherings that she planned with thoughtfulness and care. Known for her optimism and compassion, if you were down or struggling with life’s stress she would offer her favorite words of advice from her mother, “You always have to have hope,” Mary’s strength, humor, and kindness touched everyone around her.

Mary bravely battled cancer for 17 years with positivity, dignity and an unshakable zest for life. She lived and loved fiercely, always going “over the top” to make others feel special.

Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband and best friend of 43 years, Jerry Northup; her parents, James and Margaret Cowgill; and her brothers Mike Cowgill (Sandy) and James Cowgill Jr. (Mary).

She is survived by her devoted son Jeff Northup (Kristie Smith) and cherished grandson Nathan Northup; and by her loving siblings Pat Cook, Kathy Fleming, Peggy Karlburg (Richard), Frank Cowgill (Debra), Susan Theado (Victor), Timothy Cowgill (Kristen), and Daniel Cowgill, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who loved her dearly.

Family and friends may gather for a viewing Friday September 26th from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Schoedinger Funeral Home in Worthington, Ohio, followed by a Funeral Mass at 1:00 p.m. in the Chapel at Resurrection Cemetery in Lewis Center, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to The James Cancer Hospital at OSU Wexner Medical Center or the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist, causes dear to Mary’s heart.