Ann Monaghan Nazar

1925 - 2019

Ann Monaghan Nazar

Ann Monaghan Nazar, age 93, slipped quietly away January 1, 2019 in the arms of her daughter, Jennifer, surrounded by the love of those who cared for her deeply. Only 53 days after the passing of her husband of 69 years, Edwin Nazar, her wish to be back by his side was granted.

Ann was born September 22, 1925 to Edna Moran & John Monaghan. Both of her parent's families trace back to the 1840's which made Ann a 5th generation Toledoan. She was very proud of this along with her Irish heritage. During a first meeting with Ann she would eventually ask a person their last name. Invariably she would find a connection to someone that you knew. This uncanny characteristic was fueled by Ann's large extended family.

In her childhood, Ann regularly attended large family gatherings for holidays. It was not unusual to have over 50 people attend these events, all arriving with food, stories and laughter in tow. Ann reminisced about one gathering in particular that lasted three days in the countryside. She recalled, "Can you imagine what that was like to see as a child?" These annual expressions of familial affection and dedication imprinted the significance of family on her which became her legacy, being past down to future generations.

She attended McKinley for kindergarten, Gesu for elementary and DeVilbiss for high school.

Her favorite class was English and was an active tennis player and member of the social sorority. After graduation, she worked as a secretary for a local cartographer briefly before relocating to a firm near her parent's home in West Toledo.

One particular night she accepted an invitation to go on a blind date after work and that decision would forever change her life.

Ann's beauty was framed by, long, silky naturally colored copper hair that accented her vibrant blue eyes. When her blind date saw the statuesque, redheaded beauty, he immediately fell head over heels. That blind date's name was Edwin Nazar. During the next two years of dating which included a lot of dancing, Ann helped Ed and his parents with all their administrative needs in getting The Nazar Rubber Company ready to open. Ed eventually proposed and they were married June 25, 1950. Ann continued to work as a secretary up until the birth of their first child, Debra, in 1952. Three more children would follow, Alexia in 1954, Christine in 1957 and Jennifer in 1965.

Ann and Ed enjoyed golfing together which led to their longtime membership at Heatherdowns Country Club and Toledo Country Club. Ann could be found on the course periodically as a solid contender competing in several tournaments. She also took up Bridge but, as her family flourished, she increasingly devoted her time to her daughter's needs.

As a full time mother, Ann ensured that her daughters learned to play the piano, took dance lessons, took ballet, participated in swim team, took art lessons, exhibited good manners, spoke proper English, an achieved all their religious sacraments. By all accounts, they were, " polite, nice young ladies " epitomizing young girls in the mid 60's. However, Ann wanted other things for her daughters. She wanted them college educated, to think independently, to make their own money and not to depend on anyone's paycheck. Yes, in the late 1960's, Ann would have been considered a progressive. She wanted her daughters to travel and understand alternative ways of living. Her support to make this happen was unwavering. She always encouraged them to reach beyond their known limits.

She was a forward thinking woman all her life.

Ann never left Toledo unmarried, except to drive her parent's to Chicago once. So, her enthusiasm for her daughter's to travel was atypical for the times. In 1963, she packed up her three daughters and drove solo in a station wagon across the United States exploring a number of states. She circled the country arriving back in Toledo after six weeks. Eyebrows were raised at the time. Ed, however, was a great supporter catching up with her for a few days of the trip. She truly loved to explore new places and people. Throughout Ann's lifetime, she traveled to the Caribbean several times as well as Europe an all across the United States. She also managed to complete her college degree at age 54 and went back to work for her husband, Ed at The Nazar Rubber Company where she worked for 15 years until it's closing.

The most notable quality of Ann was that she liked people. She REALLY liked people. She genuinely liked to hear people's stories. Ann was an active listener always asking lots of questions. She did it all her life and those that knew her relished this quality. If one came to chat with her for a few minutes, chances are, they left an hour or so later because she was so engaging. She made her guest feel that they were the center of her attention. She listened and spoke very little about herself as that was her humble nature. If asked though, she would freely share her opinions especially if it came to politics.

Most importantly, Ann was the driving force behind her husband's success and her daughters being educated. She never took center stage. Her husband and children's successes delighted her. She was part of the "greatest generation" committed to providing opportunities to her children never available to her. Ann's devotion to her parents, her brothers and sisters sometimes gave her the family reputation of being "the rock." The love she had for her husband of 69 years was apparent. The affection exhibited to her from her daughters was called "something special" by many. Her love for her daughters extended deeply to her grandchildren. She loved chatting it up with them either by phone or via FaceTime and then sharing their stories with fellow residents at West Park Place in her later years.

There are people in life that touch us with a rare quality. Ann possessed it and many were lucky to be part of it throughout her lifetime.

Viewing will be held at Gesu Roman Catholic Parish on Monday, January 7, 2019 from 9:30AM - 11AM. Father Mark Davis will preside over the Catholic mass and liturgy at 11AM with a graveside burial following at Calvary Cemetery. Coyle Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Ann is survived by her younger sister, Patricia M Tillman (Milwaukee, WI); her daughters: Debra Nazar Villa, Alexia Nazar Waring, Christine Nazar, and Jennifer Nazar Marra; grandchildren: William Waring III, Anne Waring, Alexander Ronn, Victoria Ronn, Nicholas Ronn, Roman Marra, Rocco Marra; and great grandchild: Wynn Waring; Nieces and Nephews: Carol H. Laasch, Sue H. Dobbins. Maureen Monaghan, Tracy T. Tormoen, Will Hanf, Tom Tillman, Scott Tillman, Michael Monaghan, Peter Monaghan, David Monaghan,

Ann is predeceased by: Edwin Nazar (husband), Edna Monaghan (mother), John Monaghan (father), John Monaghan (brother), Patrick Monaghan (brother), Jane Hanf (sister), Thomas "Pete" Monaghan (brother), Patricia Hanf (niece), and Todd Tillman (nephew).

Please leave a condolence message for the family at CoyleFuneralHome.com

Monetary Donations please send in memorandum for Ann's niece:

Patty Hanf Scholarship, University of Toledo Foundation, 2801 W. Bancroft Street. MS 319, toledo, Ohio 43606-3395 ( The scholarship is for women in accounting).

OR

NW Ohio Cystic Fibrosis Ctr., 2121 Hughes Drive, STE 640, toledo, OH 43606 ( This is a nationally recognized center and any CF progress has the potential of benefitting future family members )

Ann and her family would like to extend their appreciation to the following people: (Please note that this list is not exhaustive.) Thank you to all of the staff at West Park Place over the past 9 years and all of the nurses and aids working at West Park Place and Hospice. Thank you to Father Mark for being our beacon of light throughout this journey for the Nazar family. Thank you to the Sylvania community, St. John's Jesuit, St. Ursula and everyone else who have blanketed the Nazar's with food, love and beautiful sentiments. Ann was touched by all of you and grateful for the lift that all of your prayers brought.

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