Mary Jean Nyitray

"M.J.", as known to many was the youngest of twelve children. Having lost her mother at age six and her father at age ten, she was ultimately raised by the first born, her sister, Elizabeth, who became like a mother to her.

She was a graduate of Central Catholic High School and attended the University of Toledo. Her experiences in various positions were far reaching having served as an administrative secretary for Ford B. Cauffiel (a genius in his inventive ability) Machine Company where she learned a portion of the steel business. She learned how steel was cut-to-length and slitting lines were built and then saw them in operation. During this time she met many steel customers from throughout the U.S. and one day was able to have plant employees demonstrate the efficiency of the lines to some unexpected customers. Years later she was able to discuss this type of machinery with others in the steel business whom she met during her real estate career.

Following this she became a Para-Probation Officer in Toledo Municipal Court for the Outreach Program under Chris Christoff, working primarily with those having drug or alcohol addictions. She then became secretary in 1971 to the Toledo Municipal Court Judges for the next twenty years when she resigned to become a real estate agent for the Danberry Co. However, shortly thereafter she was diagnosed with a neurological illness which limited her activities.

Her love of people, writing poetry as a hobby and her fondness of animals added to her exuberant fulfillment of life.

Her most exciting thrills were attending a Mass by Pope Paul in Yankee Stadium; attending a Super Bowl game and meeting Johnny Unitas; plus being invited to share in a charity event sponsored by Jim Kelly of the Buffalo Bills at the home of dear friends, Nancy and Chuck Barcelona, with a majority of the NFL quarterbacks present. She had long been a supporter of the NFL league games, along with her brother, Al, a devoted Unitas fan.

Mary Jean loved to read and was especially fascinated with medical research data. In addition she often referred to herself as a "news fanatic" by constantly keeping abreast of local, national and world affairs.

M.J. had a penchant for learning new things. If it concerned a medical disease, she had to know the cause. If there was person in need, she wanted to know how she could help. She often uttered the quote by Stephen Grellet , "If there is any good that I can do, let me do it now, for I shall not pass this way again."

She was a member of St. Stephen's Church, the Altar-Rosary Society, St. Charles Hospital Auxiliary and formerly the National Association of Realtors and Toledo Board of Realtors.

Survived by nieces and nephews; special cousins, Nancy and Eleanor; special friends, Kathleen and Lawrence Large; friends, Laura and Michael Armstrong; longtime friend Becky Naugle, who helped her in so many ways through the years and lifetime kind and faithful friend, Irene Farkas. She was preceded in death by her parents, Agnes and John; sisters, Elizabeth, Agnes and Margaret; brothers, Baby John, Paul, John Sr., Albert, Elmer and Richard.

A Mass of Christian Burial will begin Friday, June 28, 2013 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Stephen's Church, 1880 Genesee St., Toledo, Ohio, 43605. Interment will follow in St. Ignatius Cemetery, Oregon, Ohio. The Newcomer Funeral Home, Toledo, assisted the family with arrangements.

Those wishing to make memorial contributions in honor of Mary Jean are asked to consider St. Vincent DePaul Society, St. Louis Helping Hands or Honor Flight of Northwest Ohio.

"The Clock"
The Clock of Life is wound but once,
And no man has the power
To tell just when the hands will stop
At late or early hour.
To lose one's wealth is sad indeed,
To lose one's health is more,
To lose one's soul is such a loss
That no man can restore.
The present only is our own
So Live, Love, toll with a will…
Place no faith in "Tomorrow"…
For the Clock may then be still.
Robert H. Smith