Mary Elizabeth Schraffenberger

Mary Elizabeth Schraffenberger, age 84, of Cincinnati, Ohio, peacefully passed away on August 18, 2025, after a reoccurrence of cancer. Born on March 10, 1941, in Springfield, Ohio, she was the cherished daughter of Nicholas and Catherine Decker (nee Hogan).

Mary was preceded in death by her loving mother, Catherine, her father, Nicholas, and her siblings: Frank Decker, Tom Decker, Sue Langen, and Chuck Decker. She leaves behind a legacy of love through her beloved husband of 62 years, Donald Leroy Schraffenberger. Her family includes her sons, Donny (Elizabeth), Doug (Sylvana), Tim (Lynette), and Dan (Caryn), along with her dear sister, Kathy (Norm) Hensel, sisters-in-law Vicki, Jackie and Sharon and brothers-in-law Norm and Al. Mary was a proud grandmother to David (Lori), Adam, Brian, Aaron, Dylan, Jenna, and Delaney, and a treasured great-grandmother to Sophie and Charlotte. She also had a special relationship with her step grandsons, Jordan and Jared (Ashley) Owens and step great-grandson Ashton. Mary’s relationship with dear friends and next-door neighbors of 52 years, Donita and George Groh, was memorable.

Growing up in a large family, Mary was blessed with an innate ability to get along with not only all of her siblings but also the majority of people who crossed her path throughout her life. She remarked that she was Homecoming Queen of Catholic Central High not because she was the prettiest, but because she had so many friends – boys and girls. That is who she was to her core – a friend, a confidante, a smile when you were in need of one.

Mary met Don in the Spring of 1961 when he and his buddies traveled north from Cincinnati to Dayton to see what all the hullabaloo was about the nurses at Good Samaritan Hospital School of Nursing. When he first locked eyes on the diminutive brunette, Don knew she was the one for him. Their many letters back and forth while dating and then when engaged (neatly organized chronologically in a binder) are an amazing look back to a more innocent time.

First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes Donny in the baby carriage …. and then Dougie soon after and then redheaded Timmy. Three sons in five years. It was a busy home indeed. From Hot Wheels to GI Joes to camping trips all over the state of Ohio, it is forever captured on the many 35mm slides and photos showcasing the fun times with Mary usually at the center of it all.

Mary’s nursing career was a start-stop-start again affair as she would work full-time at first, then part-time, and quit to have a baby and then go back to work. It took her from Deaconess Hospital to Providence Hospital to UC Student Health to Hillebrand Nursing Center to Eldermount Adult Day Program and then finishing up at Mother Margaret Hall operated by the Sisters of Charity. Her compassionate care never wavered. Mary’s smile and laughter were always at the forefront.

One last shot for a daughter, Danny was born in 1977 during a brutally cold blizzard year bringing warmth and joy into Mary’s world. From making grilled cheese to caring for skinned knees, Mary was a wonderful mother to her four sons. Dinners of cubed steak and mashed potatoes and her secret recipe beefaroni were always staples on the kitchen table.

In her later years, Mary and Don traveled all over the United States in their 1995 Chevy Astro Van. They vacationed with family and friends and created many great memories. Mary also loved spending time with her grandkids playing games and taking them to the park or zoo.

Even at the end, Mary was a nurse and caregiver. In the hospital, she commented that she needed to get home to take care of Don. Then, when at home under Hospice Care, she still was serving the role of wife, mother, grandmother, etc. as she cracked jokes and reminisced with everyone about all of the good times hoping to bring comfort in their time of sadness.

Little Miss Mary Elizabeth was a delightful daughter, superb sister, wonderful wife, magnificent mother, generous grandmother and fabulous friend.

A Mass in honor of Mary will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, August 29, 2025, at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church located at 3720 Saint Martins Place, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45211. Please dress comfortably and business casual is certainly welcome. Mary mentioned that it would be nice to see everyone in color over wearing traditional black. Green was one of her favorites. Prior to the Mass, the family invites friends and loved ones to a visitation on Thursday, August 28, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions - West Side Chapel, located at 3300 Parkcrest Lane, Cincinnati, Ohio 45211.

There will be a luncheon following the funeral mass at Nathaniel Greene Lodge from 12-3pm located at 6394 Wesselman Road, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45248.

The family encourages those who wish to share memories or extend their condolences to please sign the guestbook below. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Mary’s name to Hospice of Cincinnati or The Nature Conservancy.

Mary's memory will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

“I will not say: do not weep; for not all tears are an evil.” – J.R.R. Tolkien