Name: Visitation for Ellen Jane Bires
Start: 2024-05-02T16:00:00.000Z
End: 2024-05-02T20:00:00.000Z
Location: Sujkowski Funeral Home - Northpointe

Ellen Jane Bires

Ellen Jane Bires, age 94, of Toledo, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 22, 2024, at Hospice of Northwest Ohio's Toledo Campus, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on December 15, 1929, in Toledo to John and Helen (Meehan) Ley. After graduating from Notre Dame Academy, Ellen received her Bachelor of Arts in Education from Mary Manse College and Master of Education from The University of Toledo. She was a highly educated artist, who taught in Washington Local School District for 28 years, 20 of which were at McGregor Elementary. Ellen enjoyed sharing her artwork with the community and has a painting on permanent display in the Bedford Library. She was a member of Toledo Artist Club, Spectrum Art Club, and Bedford Art Club. Ellen was a member of St. Clement Catholic Church for 55 years where she was active in various church ministries. She was also a distinguished member of the Red Hat Society. Ellen was married to the love of her life, John "Jack" Bires for 1 month shy of 69 years. She took pleasure in camping with Jack and finding a quiet moment to knit or crochet. Ellen was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, who will be dearly missed.

Ellen is survived by her children, Helen (Ron) Zent, Mary (Barry) Roberts, John A. Bires, and Patrick "Mike" (Vicki) Bires; 8 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Margaret Harber. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jack Bires; 2 sisters; brothers-in-law, William Harber and Karl (Sandy) Bires; and grandson, Michael Bires.

Visitation will be Thursday, May 2, from 4-8 p.m. in Sujkowski Funeral Home Northpointe, 114 E. Alexis Rd., with a rosary at 7 p.m. The Funeral Mass will begin Friday, May 3, at 11 a.m. preceded by a visitation from 10-11 a.m. in St. Clement Catholic Church. Interment will follow in Resurrection Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Hospice of Northwest Ohio or St. Clement Church. Condolences can be shared at

www.sujkowski.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Blade on Apr. 28, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Ellen Bires

Sponsored by Sujkowski Funeral Home - Northpointe.

4 Entries

Ruthann Boggs-Roberts

April 30, 2024

We always think of people that have left us, but we know we will meet them some day. It was a pleasure to have known Mrs. Bires. She has not changed at all. I will not be able to come to the funeral for I am at this time out of town, but she and all that know her and loved her will remain in my prayers, as I say my prayers that I say GOD BLESS THE HOLD WORLD, Not one but the hold world. The last time I saw you John was when we were at Mass for Mr. Wilbur Moore. When I get time I will go and visit your mom, You are in our prayers.

Ruthann Boggs-Roberts

April 29, 2024

Mrs. Bires Family: We are sorry to hear the lost of your loved one. When my sons went to McGregor School, I recalled that I saw Mrs. Bires at St. Clements and he always said how are your boys Ruthann, I believe in my heart that she knew every child she had. It is sad to see such a wonderful person leave all of us. God must have wanted her up in "Heaven" to help him school other children. She was a wonderful mother. I am glad that I got to meet her years ago. She will be a great loss that all the kids and people that knew her. I was sadden to see her Obituary in the Toledo Blade. God Bless you all. Keep your Faith.

Rachel Walters-Weiker

April 28, 2024

Mrs Bires was my 2nd grade teacher at McGregor (`78). She was so kind and encouraging. I became a teacher too! I´m so sorry for your loss.

phyllis maunz

April 25, 2024

my deepest condolences...I was a friend of her youngest sister Mary and remember seeing Ellen in their home at 728 Gramercy...I also taught her son John when he was in the 3rd grade