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Mary Fleming Obituary
NEWARK: Mary Elizabeth Householder Fleming died on March 22 at home.
Fleming was a resident of Newark, Ohio since 1987. She served for many years as a prosecuting attorney for the Licking County Child Support Enforcement Agency. Before moving to Ohio, Fleming worked as a lawyer in private practice in Michigan and New Mexico and served as a Special Prosecutor for the State of New Mexico.
Fleming was a life-long social activist, volunteering for political campaigns, community organizations and church groups wherever she lived. Fleming said, "Life isn't fair, it is up to us to make it fair." Her sense of humor was another attribute that followed her everywhere, and Fleming was voted by her college sorority as "most fun to be with".
In 1971, Fleming was elected as the first woman Mayor of Olivet, Michigan as write-in candidate, along with a liquor-by-the-glass initiative. Fleming taught Business Law, Literature and French at the college and high school levels, and served on the School Board for Olivet Community Schools.
Fleming was born July 29, 1941 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. She was a graduate of University High School in Kalamazoo; Albion College where she was Phi Beta Kappa and a member of the Delta Gamma sorority; and Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Lansing, Michigan.
Fleming is survived by her husband, Joseph L. Fleming; sons, James Fleming and David Fleming; granddaughter, Sarah; and sisters, Ann Aliotta and Sally Zigmond.
Services will be held on Thursday, March 28 at 11:00 a.m. at the United Church of Granville, where Fleming was a member, 115 W. Broadway, Granville.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mary Fleming
Charlotte Stevens
March 20, 2019
The maple tree that was planted at the corner of the Olivet College Library in memory of Mary is now growing beautifully and turned a lovely red in the fall.
Elena Tuhy-Walters
March 31, 2013
I will greatly miss Mary's wonderful laugh and smile at Licking Co Bar Association events.
Kate ( & George ) Reeves
March 29, 2013
Mary was the first of my "little cousins". Lots of wonderful memories for all my family--I'm so glad I was there early in March. Joe and James and David are in our prayers.
Don Mulvany
March 29, 2013
Dear Joe & boys . . . Mary was a fantastic teacher, mentor, lady and neighbor. I contribute all of my writing skills to Mary Fleming. I really enjoyed having your family as neighbors in Olivet. I was very saddened when Cindy told me about her passing . . . a great loss to everyone who knew her, but especially to those who yet hadn't.
March 29, 2013
Mary was very special and will be greatly missed. Our deepest sympathy to her family. Darryl and Linda Payne
March 29, 2013
Mary was an exceptional person with a heart of gold. She cared about everyone regardless of the circumstances. I loved working with her at child support. I am sorry for your loss, she was a wonderful women. Prayers to the family.
Tom Martin
March 28, 2013
Memories of Mary are fond for Barb and me: one is running into Mary and Joe in line at the Bayeaux Tapestries and going through all of the double takes that go to establish context at times like that; another is the hilarious self-introduction Mary made at a rare evening event at our house for one of Joe's ROMEO groups (Retired Old Men Eating Out), the Samson Talbot Society, which meets for breakfast. We have always admired Mary's dedication and devotion to her ideals and beliefs and will miss her. Joe, we are thinking of you.
Cindy Butler
March 28, 2013
We are so sorry for your loss Joe and family! Miss seeing you in the Mail Room in Doane Admin at Denison. Cindy Dan and Dave Allen
Jennifer Wilson
March 28, 2013
This world has lost such a special person. I am thankful for the great memories of Mary at the CSEA. She had her own style, from paging on the intercom, red high top tennis shoe, to being dressed as a biker on halloween. Her hand writing was also memorable. I think she wanted the personal contact with co-workers because you had to have her read to you what she had written. She will be truly missed by anyone who had contact with her.
Dave Cliffe
March 28, 2013
Our deep sympathies to Joe, James and David. Mary was a kind and nurturing mentor and friend to this then-young attorney. Even now, I will recall one of the pearls of wisdom that she imparted to me at the CSEA. She had a great laugh and a very generous spirit. She now rests in a better place.
Julie Reiswig
March 27, 2013
Mary was my friend, and I loved her joyful generous spirit. Her involvement with local nonprofit agencies was an inspiration to me to continue to work for justice for our neighbors who lack the resources to take up the fight. The church gardeners will miss her participation!
Don Schilling
March 27, 2013
A warm and caring friend, a strong-minded women committed to social justice and community betterment, a player of that wonderful lifetime sport, tennis, and much else, Mary was very special. News of her death comes as a shock to us in Williamsburg, VA. Our thoughts are with Joe, their sons, and the extended family.
In sympathy,
Don and Mary Schilling
Beth Hughes
March 27, 2013
Mary you will be greatly missed by all of those who had the pleasure of having you in their lives. Definitely one of a kind!
Linda Peddy
March 27, 2013
WE will miss you cousin Mary, but you will live on in our hearts forever!
Tom Burkett
March 27, 2013
An able colleague, cheerful worker, and ready wit, Mary will be missed by those at our house who have loved and respected her.
Evelyn Gruen Cortesi
March 27, 2013
Dear Joe and Family: Mary was my mentor and my inspiration. She helped me find my way and I'll never forget her. You were such wonderful friends to my parents and to me. The world has lost a truly amazing person.
Tommy Burkett
March 27, 2013
I will miss making pancakes with Mary at the UCG market on Saturday mornings. She was always a cheerful and sweet companion in that endeavor.
Lyn Robertson
March 27, 2013
My fondest memories of Mary are associated with the Mission and Social Action Committee at the United Church of Granville. Her sparkling eyes and quick wit, coupled with her passion for people and for justice were always an inspiration. I learned a lot from Mary, and I'll remember her with great fondness. Thank you, Mary, for being an amazing woman in our midst! Love, Lyn
Rita Jackson
March 27, 2013
Mary was a doer and true (grassroots) activist! She had a soft spot in her heart for the underdog! I came to know her as a member of the local branch of the NAACP. Her spirit lives on, but I will miss her presence. Rest In Peace Mary.
Patti Burkett
March 27, 2013
I knew Mary through the United Church of Granville. She was a hard worker and had a heart for helping those in need and the intellect, faith , and will to do so! One of my favorite memories though came as chair of the Christian Education committee. She and Joe volunteered to lead our preschool class. She said they had grandchildren about that age who lived far away. She said that being with the preschoolers at church was a way she "could feel connected with their grandchildren"! I thought that was a clever idea and showed her positive spirit. I will miss her, and I value all the good she did in this world.
Linda Mossholder
March 27, 2013
The Mission and Social Action Committee at the United Church of Granville will Mary. Her compassion for those in need was an inspiration. We will especially miss her smile and humor.
Jack Shuler
March 27, 2013
I will never forget how Mary was always learning, always reading, always recommending books for me to read. I will forever hold her in the light.
Jim Hay
March 27, 2013
Dear Mary,
You were a shining star at Olivet College. I now live on the other side of the world, but my finest memories are of the faculty dinner parties at the college. I treasure your love and light.
March 26, 2013
Mary was so dearly loved by so many people and will be greatly missed. Prayers to her family...my thoughts are with you!! Cheryl Snyder
Karen Howard
March 26, 2013
Mary was such a joy and hard to keep up with! She had a great heart and a loving personality. After leaving CSEA when I would run into her, she was always so heartfelt in her conversations. A lovely lady that will be missed.
Amy Rice
March 26, 2013
I first met Mary when she was my Spanish Teacher in Jr. High School. I then later had the opportunity to work with her at the CSEA (and she remembered me). Mary remembered every face and did anything she could to help people. She will be missed by our community! I will never forget reading notes from Mary and when she got in a hurry she would start writing in Spanish with out even realizing it. Thoughts and prayers to the family.
Barb & Joe Smith
March 26, 2013
Mary, you will be truly missed. You and Joe were so nice to Barb and I and our family when we moved into the neighborhood. You were a wonderful, smiling neighbor.
Andrea McLellan
March 26, 2013
Mary you will be missed. You touched so many lives here on earth. Heaven received an angel.
Andrea McLellan
March 26, 2013
Mary you touched so many lives here on earth. Heaven received an angel. You will be greatly missed.
Cheryl Holman
March 26, 2013
Mary was a truly beautiful woman! I never knew of a bigger heart in a person! I so treasure our working days together she taught me a lot about life and her laugh always made my day! Mary was so caring and I'm a better person today because of her!
March 26, 2013
I just loved Mary and worked with her for many years. R.I.P Dear Lovely Lady.
Nancy Johnson
March 26, 2013
Mary was a one of a kind person. She was truly caring and loving to everyone she met. She was full of love and compassion for everyone and will be truly missed by all who knew her. I feel blessed to have known her and her wonderful laugh will be remembered always.
Barbara Cox
March 26, 2013
Dear Joe & Family,
Mary was a wonderful presence in my life. I'm so glad I knew her and was able to work with and have fun with her. Her laughter is one of my special memories. May the love of friends and family surround you and bring you peace at this difficult time.
Mindy McFadden
March 26, 2013
My thougts and prayers go out to Mary's family, am so sorry to hear of this news. I worked with Mary at the Licking County CSEA for many years, she was quite the fighter and kind hearted. She will be missed!!
Christy & Kevin Rodeniser
March 26, 2013
Mary, I will miss your smile and your vivacious personality. You were such a pleasure to work with and were always the first one in the office and the last one to leave. You hired me for my first job at the CSEA. If not for you, I would not be where I am today. Your positive spirit will be greatly missed by all of us who had the pleasure of knowing you.
March 26, 2013
We have lost a truly wonderful person. I worked with Mary as head of the planning commission while Mary was mayor of Olivet. I felt that I was practicing democracy at its very best. It was a wonderful time.
Charlotte Whitney Stevens
Brenda Walker
March 26, 2013
Mary was a wonderful, loving and warm person. I enjoyed working with her and feel priviledged to have known her. She had a contageous laugh and smile. She will be greatly missed by many. Prayers for the family.
Susan Moore
March 26, 2013
Mary was a wonderful woman. She was bright, fun, and truly an angel on earth. Now she can look down on us from heaven. She will be missed by many. Sincerely,
Susan Moore
March 26, 2013
I will miss Mary coming into the dental office,she was always such a pleasure to see and visit with.
Thinking of Mary's family at this time and praying that you will be comforted by God's comfort and love.
Virginia
Gini Lohmann Bauman
March 26, 2013
Mary was such a wonderful person! Katie still remembers when Mary was her Sunday School teacher -- they took such delight in each other. To share one's love and enthusiasm with the children of the world is a life-giving gift. Thank you Mary! With our blessings to your family.
Joan Novak
March 26, 2013
Mary was an inspiration in the United Church of Granville community--friendly, upbeat, compassionate, and helpful. We will truly miss her as we remember her with fondness and respect.
Jennifer & Charles Rowe
March 26, 2013
Mary you will be missed your were a great friend and neighbor, and the best doggie sitter ever for Jake.
March 26, 2013
Truly an Angel, may you rest in peace Mary, You were a fun, exciting, wonderful person to work with. I will miss you!
Karen Snavely
Steve Koch
March 26, 2013
We will miss you Mary. Even though we did not get to see each other often, we always looked forward to Christmas in Clinton and your most memorable humor and laugh that would always brighten the room. We will miss you and hopefully we will meet again on the other side.
Love you... Steve, Kathy, Jessica, Stephanie and Chad.
Lori Sayre
March 26, 2013
Mary I will so miss you. You were one of the greatest people I've ever known. I learned so much from you and treasure the time I worked so close with you for all those years.
March 26, 2013
To the Fleming Family, so very sorry to hear of Mary's passing. I had the pleasure of working with her at the Child Support Office. She was a wonderful warm and caring person. Margie Huston
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