Mariester Catherine (Gurtzweiler) Pavlica, 81, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 29, 2021. She was in Hospice of Northwest Ohio’s care while a patient at SKLD Nursing home, Perrysburg.

Mariester was born on December 14, 1940, to John and Esther (Hoffman) Gurtzweiler. She was the oldest of nine children. Mariester graduated in the top 10 percent of her class at Perrysburg High School, Class of 1958. She worked as a dental assistant prior to her September 23, 1961, wedding to the love of her life, John Pavlica Sr. They lived in Plattsburgh, New York, for several years, as John was in the U.S. Air Force. They moved back to Toledo in 1963. Mariester was a “stay-at-home mom,” thoroughly enjoying time spent with her three children.

Mariester was a devout Catholic. She was prayerful, honest and caring to all. She was a CCD religious education teacher for first graders, for 19 years. She enjoyed writing poetry, music and art. She spent most summers planting flowers in her backyard and taking care of them. She had the prettiest yard on the block. She always had milkweed planted in her backyard for the Monarch butterflies, too.

She was a proud member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Rossford. She was always at her happiest though, with time spent with her husband, children and their families.

Mariester is survived by her loving husband, John, of 60 years; children, John Jr. (Virginia), Jeanne (John) Peschel and Michael (Terri); siblings, George (Rita) Gurtzweiler, Bonnie Rakerbrand, Patricia (Bob) Schoenrock, John L. Gurtzweiler and Howard (Kathleen) Gurtzweiler; four grandchildren, and two greatgrandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Esther Gurtzweiler, and siblings, Margaret Gurtzweiler, Paul Gurtzweiler and Robert Gurtzweiler.

Friends were received on Monday, January 3, from 4 to 8 p.m., at Sujkowski-Walker Funeral Home, 830 Lime City Road, Rossford. A Mass of Resurrection was held Tuesday, January 4, at 10 a.m., with prior visitation from 9:30 to 10 a.m., at St. John XXIII Church, 24250 North Dixie Highway, Perrysburg, with Fr. Herb Weber officiating. Interment followed at St. Rose Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Mariester’s name to Hospice of Northwest Ohio or St. John XXIII Church.

Much thanks to Hospice of Northwest Ohio, especially Monica and Tracey; also, to the staff at SKLD, especially Sydney, Nicole and Jill.

Online condolences may be left at walkerfuneral homes.com.