Mary Jane (Nemeth) Montoni

Mary Jane Montoni, devoted wife, loving mother, and grandmother passed away on Friday, May 31, 2024, she was 98.  Mary was born the second of eight children to parents Paul and Edith Nemeth on a farm outside of Cadiz, OH.  A coal miner’s daughter, she was raised in a family of modest means and would go on to live an extraordinary life that touched many.

Close friends and family referred to Mary as “Toots” – a term of endearment given to her at an early age.  While family have theorized the origin of this nickname, many believe that it was reflective of her temperament, sweet like the popular Tootsie Roll candy of her childhood.  Mary was sweet, gentle, kind-hearted, giving, accepting, and loving – qualities that drew people into her orbit throughout her long life.

As a teenager, Mary would often visit family in Kent, OH, staying for extended periods of time.  It was during one of those visits in 1942 that she met her future husband, Joe Montoni.  Joe was the love of her life and their devotion to one another was unwavering.

Mary’s courtship with Joe happened amidst the backdrop of WWII.  In 1942 Joe enlisted in the Navy and while he was serving overseas, Mary served the Nation as our family’s very own “Rosie the Riveter” welding tank parts at the C. L. Gougler Machine Company to support the war effort.

Mary married Joe on December 30, 1944, and settled in Kent, OH, where they lived for 64 years, raising three children: Larry Joseph, Sandi Irene, and Thomas Michael.  Throughout their marriage, Mary was an active member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and participated in numerous auxiliary events through the local chapter of the Knights of Columbus.  Family was the central focus of Mary’s life and for more than 20 years, Mary and Joe accompanied their children and grandchildren on vacations to Las Vegas and the beaches in North and South Carolina.  These trips were the source of cherished memories for the family.  In later years, Mary moved to Danberry Woods Senior Living in Cuyahoga Falls, OH, where she was an active and social member of the community.

Mary is survived by three loving children: Larry J. (Bonnie) Montoni of Wadsworth, OH, Sandi I. (Keith, decd.) Kurchev of Fredonia, NY, and Tom M. (Michele) Montoni of Stow, OH; seven grandchildren: Joseph E. (Carr Slayton) Montoni of Washington, D.C., Megan L. (Chad) Dean of Wadsworth, OH, Aaron M. (Annie Gratia) Kurchev of Stow, OH, Stephanie R. (Kevin Weeks) Linkous of Tallmadge, OH, Kim A. (James) Curtin of Dunkirk, NY, Nick J. Montoni of Columbus, OH, and Alyssa N. Montoni of Stow, OH; nine great grandchildren: Kaylee B. (Bobby) Makin of Barberton, OH, Tyler D. Jolliff of Akron, OH, Cameron J. Jolliff of Tallmadge, OH, Grady R. Jolliff of Tallmadge, OH, Abby G. Kurchev of Stow, OH, Logan J. Dean of Wadsworth, OH, Peter J. Kurchev of Stow, OH, Mia I. Curtin of Dunkirk, NY, and James D. Curtin IV of Dunkirk, NY; and one great-great grandchild, Salem M. Solombrino of Barberton, OH.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated on TUESDAY, June 4, 2024 at 12:00PM at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 313 N. Depeyster St. Kent, OH 44240, with the Rev. Fr. David Bridling as Celebrant.  Interment will follow at Standing Rock Cemetery.  Calling hours will be MONDAY, June 3, 2024 from 7:00-9:00PM at Bissler and Sons Funeral Home, 628 W. Main St. Kent, OH 44240, and prior to Mass from 11:00AM-12:00PM on TUESDAY at the church.

Services in the care of Bissler and Sons Funeral Home.