Mary Modic

SPENCERVILLE -- Mary E. Modic, Friend, Wife, Mother, Teaher. It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mary Ellen Modic, born on July 15, 1954 in Pottstown, PA and passing to the next life on 8/3/25. She had recently turned 71. She died at home where she was most comfortable. She was the daughter of Robert Leister and Pat (George) Hassar who preceded her in death.

She was her husband's best friend, a great wife, a good mother, a creative cook, and an enthusiastic teacher.

She lived a life of service. Her first job was at the Pottstown Hospital working as a ward clerk. After meeting her husband, she moved a few times as his job changed but seemed to always find her way to service type jobs. In Louisiana, she worked for the state's blind services helping with eye care at the Angola Penitentiary. When the family moved to New Jersy, she worked at the Manchester Manor nursing home. Our final move was to Ohio in 1994 where she was actively involved as a volunteer in the Spencerville Schools. Inspired by teachers Debbi Morrison and Stacy Baumgartner, she went on to pursue a teaching degree and obtained her Master of Education in 2002. She was able to teach in Title 1 reading and as a substitute teacher for nine years until she retired. She took great pride in helping children learn to read, tutoring after retirement. Mary also volunteered in youth activities that our children were involved in including sports and scouting. She helped to organize several Cub Scout Day Camps. She was a reluctant camper participating in Mom & Me campouts with our sons and Girl Scout events with our daughters. She was always willing to try with a little coaxing when it came to the outdoors. Her commitment to service in work and community also poured over to a commitment to service to her family. She would give her all to protect, encourage, scold, lift up, and love each member of her family. She went the distance in trying to get everyone to do their best with the gifts they had. Mary was also a member of St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church in Spencerville.

Her hobbies included gardening, house plants, cooking, reading and enjoying her grandchildren. She was also very meticulous about remembering birthdays and recognizing them.

As the cornerstone of our family, she leaves behind her husband Lewis Joseph Modic, our six children, Amanda Paige Leister from Toledo, OH, Rita Marie Owen & husband Brandon from Zuni, VA, , Lewis Andrew Modic & wife Tiffany from Spencerville, OH, Rachel Ann Modic from Herminie, PA, Joseph William Modic from Lima, OH, Robert Michael Modic & wife Julia from Akron OH. Nine grandchildren include Camron Modic, Lewis Carter Modic, Dalton Modic, Paisley Modic, Sylvia Modic, Garett Owen, Mason Owen, Alexander Martin, and Nikolas Leister. We will all miss her holiday planning, family photos that she refused to be part of but insisted we all take, holiday meals, and her Easter egg hunt with the children. She made our home special with seasonal decorations and much planning to assure all went well. We will miss her and remember her always.

There will be a visitation from 4:00-8:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 7, 2025 at Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home in Spencerville. Visitation will continue from 2:00-5:00 p.m. followed by her funeral service starting at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, August 8, 2025 at the funeral home.

Memories may be shared and viewed by visiting www.baylifffuneral.com. Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home in Spencerville is caring for Mary and her family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Northwest Ohio Literacy Council at 563 W. Spring St., Lima, OH 45801 or the Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital.