Mary Charlotte (Zettelman) Greer

Mary Charlotte Zettelman Greer was born December 2nd, 1941 in Evanston, Illinois and passed away on September 10th, 2023 peacefully at home with her family around her. Mary was the youngest daughter of Elsa Emily Oldberg Zettelman and Henry Joseph Zettelman MD. Mary grew up in Evanston, Illinois and summered with family in Estes Park, Colorado in her formative years with her family and grandparents.

Mary graduated from Hiram College after two years of study at Brown University. While at Brown her love for folk music led to her participation with the South County Singers and an appearance on the television show, Hootenanny. She never lost her love for playing the guitar and singing and was an accomplished guitarist who also taught guitar for many years. She also studied at Northwestern University, the University of Colorado, and received a master’s degree in education from Kent State University. Mary settled with her first husband, Gregor William “Bill” Greer in Hudson and taught in the English Department of Hudson High School from 1978 – 1993. She has never forgotten her students from that time or many of the students she tutored in her home who became dear friends. Her passion for teaching and learning continued, with expertise in teaching writing, literature, Spanish and Latin.

In 1990 Mary was married to, and is survived by, George Clinton Sosebee, who has remained her best friend and partner. After building a home with George in Shalersville, Ohio she continued her active involvement in the community helping to build the Kent Community TimeBank, and was actively involved in Concerned Citizens Ohio a group engaged in environmental issues, especially fracking. In 1983 Mary won the John F. Kennedy scholarship for excellence in teaching from the Ohio Education Association. In 2018 she won the Edith Chase Award for her involvement in environmental protection activism. In her 70’s she published a lifetime of writing including children’s stories and numerous books of poetry.

Mary is survived by four beloved children: daughters Dr. Mary “Maidie” Oldberg Rosengarden (William Mrkvicka) children Nathan and Jane, Sarah Wellburn Greer (Chris Gable) children, Adelia, Asher, Adam and grandchild, Miles, Abigail Holt Greer (Chris Lasko) children, Sam and Emma, and James “Jim” William Greer (Clarence Berger) children Leo and Charlotte. Mary is preceded in death by grandson Theodore “Teddy”, granddaughter Sarah, and Mary’s sister Elizabeth “Lisbie” Zettelman Goss. Mary is also survived by her beloved sister Anne Zettelman Haggerty (Steve). She is also survived by her dear stepchildren Rebecca “Becky” Gama, children Gina and Zeca, Theresa “Tracy” Green, child Zachary, Christine “Christy” Sosebee, children Alex and Noah, Stephen Sosebee (Zeena), children Deema, Jenna, Layla, Waseem and Amy Verrilli (Chris), children Carter and Isabelle.

Mary is indebted to the Last Exit Friday night poetry group, especially Bob W., Terry M., Mike W., Jackie P. and so many others. Mary was especially close to her Faith Fellowship and held dear many people especially children; Will, Ben, Josie, Sam, Aaron, Amber, Claire, Grant, and many more. Mary touched many lives, and her loving spirit will live on in our hearts.

Calling hours will be at Bissler and Sons Funeral Home (628 West Main Street, Kent, Ohio Phone: 330-673-5857) on Thursday, September 14, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Visitation will take place from 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM on Friday, September 15, 2023 with the funeral service immediately following at 10:00 AM at the funeral home.

Services in the Care of Bissler and Sons Funeral Home and Crematory.