Mary Jane Palenske

Palenske, MaryJane (nee Spitler) On Wednesday November 13, 2013 MaryJane Helen Palenske, age 88, passed away in peace and comfort surrounded by her loved ones. MaryJane was born on October 28, 1925 at St. Vincent Hospital in Toledo, Ohio to Agnes (Kaiser) and Ernest Spitler. She attended Libbey High School graduating in 1944. After accepting a romantic proposal at Oak Openings Park, she married the love of her life; Elmer Louis Palenske on November 24, 1945 at St. Mark's United Methodist Church in Toledo, Ohio. The couple lived in the same South Toledo home for over fifty years, where they raised four children. MaryJane was a devoted wife, loving mother and caring homemaker; but she also worked for many years in the Toledo Public School system; a job that she enjoyed and took great pride in. MaryJane enthusiastically served as a Cub Scout and Girl Scout leader, when her children were young. Throughout much of her adult life MaryJane was an active member of many church groups; including the Alter Guild and Rachel Circle. She was a member of the Toledo Botanical Gardens and a 30-year member of TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly). MaryJane was a avid and experienced bowler and made The Blade Women's 550 Club in 1965 and 1966. She also was a longtime participant in the Ma and Pa Bowling League. MaryJane loved being outdoors and her greatest passion was gardening and fishing. She was a member of the Maumee Valley Travel Trailer Club; which she frequently took camping trips with her family. In later years, she and her husband would travel extensively, vacationing in Australia and Ireland along with many destinations in between. At home, MaryJane often could be found sewing and painting; as she loved to take on all types of creative projects. Anyone stopping by for a visit would be greeted with a few of her best home-baked cookies along with a warm welcome. MaryJane and her son, Tim shared an interest in NASCAR and her favorite driver was Jimmie Johnson #48. MaryJane's life was filled with numerous interests, activities, along with plenty of laughter; but her truest joy came from her family. She cherished every moment that she could spend with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She meant the world to us and we to her. She will be greatly missed and will always be remembered for her many gifts. MaryJane had a "Words of Wisdom" saying that she kept on her refrigerator which states: A bell is not a bell......until you ring it. A song is not a song.....until you sing it. The love in your heart was not put there to stay Love is not love.......'til you give it away. MaryJane Helen Palenske is survived by her sons, Timothy (Krystene) of Toledo, Danny Joe (Tory) of the State of Oregon, and Bruce (Mike Tompkins) of the State of Oregon, six grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Elmer Louis, her only daughter, Connie Lynn, an infant son, James; three sisters and one brother. Visitation and remembrance for family and friends will be held at Bersticker-Scott Funeral Home, 3453 Heatherdowns Blvd. Toledo Ohio on Saturday November 16, 2013 from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm; at which time the service will be held. A final interment will be private. Memorial donations in memory of MaryJane are welcome and can be made to St. Petri Lutheran Church, 3120 Bryne Rd Toledo Ohio 43614. (419) 385-4639. The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude and recognition to JoAnn Strzesynski for the love, devotion and care given to MaryJane over the past eight years; as well as a special thank you to the Elizabeth Scott Community. Online condolences can be made at www.berstickerscottfuneralhome.com.

Visitation Details

Saturday, November 16th, 2013 11:30am - 1:00pm, Bersticker-Scott Funeral Home

Service Information

Saturday, November 16th, 2013 1:00pm, Bersticker-Scott Funeral Home

Interment Details