Mary Ann Gaj

Obituary: Mary Ann Gaj (nee Tesser), a caring spirit to everyone she met, left this world in the arms of our Lord to be by the side of her loving husband, Ted (Thaddeus L.). They are joined in heaven by their two oldest children Susan and John. She considered herself a simple woman who loved taking care of her children, cooking, and gardening, but her true calling was her inexplicable way of making everyone feel welcome. Led by a strong belief in God, she spread her love to everyone, in church, the grocery store and overseas. Mary Ann worked diligently at raising money to send to the unfortunate in India and Haiti. Even though she was raising thirteen children of her own she found time to teach the first communion classes at Our Lady of Grace church. As one of the founding members, she was a Eucharistic minister, laundered the vestments and altar cloths, volunteered in the catering service, and was a member of many bible study groups including the Women of Hope. She enjoyed family gatherings with her children, grandchildren and great grand children. She is preceded in death by her mother Irene Schwartz (nee Simak) and father Julius Tesser. She is survived by her sisters Jean Polifko (John, deceased) and Diana Nicklas (Charles), her sons Jim (Lisa) and Thomas of Gilbert, Arizona, daughters Mary Badillo-Gaj, Jane King (Jim), Nancy, Judy Ritondaro (Rick), Lucy McElwain (Jeff), Monica Paduch (Leo, deceased), Laura Travagliante (Phil), Jessica Leschinger (Martin), Therese Luke (Jason) and many fun-loving grandchildren, beautiful great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and scores of others who called her grandma. She had a special place in the hearts of the younger generation who made a point to say hello to Mrs. Gaj to let her know about their lives. A very humble woman, Mary Ann quietly supported many charitable organizations. She was very proud of her husband’s dedication as a volunteer fireman for the Hinckley Fire Department. She would have been honored to have contributions made to that organization (P.O. Box 116, Hinckley, Ohio 44233) in lieu of flowers.Friends may join the family for Visitation on Tuesday January 15, 2013 from 2-4 and 6-8 at Carlson Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, 1642 Pearl Road (½ mile South of Route 303), Brunswick. Visitation also 1 hr prior 10 to 11 AM, Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 AM on Wednesday January 16, 2013 at Our Lady of Grace Church 1088 Ridge Rd, Hinckley. (Please meet at the church). Burial to follow at Resurrection Cemetery, 6303 Center Rd, Valley City, Ohio Flowers Link: http://www.baywindowflorist.com DVD / Memories by Design: http://video.mbdkeepsakes.com/video/57429967