Averil W. MacKenzie

Averil W. Olsen MacKenzie, age 88, of Grove City, Ohio, passed away December 17, 2025, at home surrounded by her family and friends.

She was born in Brooklyn, New York, to Thomas and Maude Olsen, and grew up in Port Washington, Long Island. Averil graduated from Paul D. Schreiber High School (Port Washington) in 1955 and continued her education, earning a Bachelor of Science in Education from Miami University. She later received her Master of Education from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana.

Averil was married to John H. MacKenzie and shared 41 years of marriage before his passing in 2011. Together, Averil and John were devoted members of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Grove City, where they taught Sunday School together for more than 40 years.

Survivors include children: Cynthia Hutson, Donna Conway-Pierson, John Eric MacKenzie, and David (Eryka) MacKenzie; grandchildren MacKenzie Hutson, Seth (Sandi) Pierson, Garrett (Stevie) Hutson, and Noah Pierson; great-grandchildren Makayla Averil Pierson and Matthew Christian Pierson; nieces Kendra (Kent) Beisner and Kyle (Kerry) Hardy; and Cousin Donald Olsen.

Averil loved teaching and helping others learn. She taught elementary school in both Richmond, Indiana, and New Castle, Indiana. After leaving the public school system, she continued her calling by establishing an adult reading and education program at Franklin International, where she taught until her retirement. Averil also remained active in the community, working at AmeriFlora in Columbus and volunteering with the Friends of the Grove City Library and serving on the board.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Grove City, Ohio, on January 17, 2026 at 11:00 AM. Interment to follow at Concord Cemetery, Grove City, OH.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that donations be made to St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church – Memorial Youth Fund or to the Grove City Public Library.

In their early years, John and Averil enjoyed camping and traveling to state and national parks. In their memory, the family invites you to plant a tree in their honor.