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Molly Rinker Obituary
Molly McGowan Rinker lost her battle with the disease of alcoholism and died peacefully on February 15, 2018, surrounded by her loving family. She was born September 14, 1965, to Jim and Barbara McGowan in Toledo, OH. Molly was the youngest of five children and was raised in a happy, loving home where she always provided fun and laughter. She attended Christ the King, St. Ursula Academy and graduated from the Ohio State University.
Molly was an elite level gymnast and competed on a regional level. At St. Ursula, she was the leader of the pack. She flourished at Ohio State and was a member of Pi Beta Phi Sorority where she made many lifetime friends. Molly had an indomitable spirit which could light up any room with her humor, touched the lives of those around her and made friends with ease. Molly loved her life, her family and her friends.
She is survived by her three beautiful children, Lee, Jr., Abby and Lily Rinker; parents James and Barbara McGowan; siblings Jim (Joni) McGowan, Mike (Judi) McGowan, Marty McGowan and Meg (Chuck) Niehaus; former husband, Lee Rinker; many nieces and nephews; special friend, Michael Dooley and her faithful pup, Riley.
From her children: "We will always remember the way mom insisted on being present and involved in our lives. She never missed anything whether it was a sports game or school function. She ran a household that welcomed anyone without judgment. We promise to live the rest of our lives carrying her fire and spontaneity within us."
Family and friends may visit the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 Sylvania Ave. (west of Corey) on Sunday from 3-7 p.m. A funeral Mass will be held Monday, February 19, 2018 at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 5373 Main St. Sylvania, Ohio 43560.
Please do not send flowers but rather consider a donation to either St. Ursula Academy, 4025 Indian Rd., Toledo, OH 43606 or Racing for Recovery, 6202 Trust Dr., Holland, OH 43528. Condolences may be shared with the family at walkerfuneralhomes.com
View the online memorial for Molly A. (McGowan) Rinker
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Memories and Condolences
for Molly Rinker
Sponsored by Walker Funeral Home & Crematory - Sylvania.
Kathy Collins
February 12, 2024
I think of Molly often. Our daughters grew up together. Did sports & nails for dad daughter dances. She always made me smile. Wishing the best for her children. Kathy Collins
Heidi Valsky
August 12, 2019
Dear molly, I didn't know. I love you! I remember every conversation we had and how you always cared about everyone so much ! Just to raise your children is amazing, you are the best mom! I will never forget how I asked you about how I should tone up lol . I love you Molly, I'm so proud of what you have accomplished & was so grateful to meet you. You inspired me to be just me! and your spirit is shining! May G-D be w/you and always! I miss you & you're always in my prayers !!! I will be with you ! Loves and hugs Prayers and Blessings to McGowan family .
February 24, 2018
We have many fond childhood memories together, so sad to hear of this loss, condolences to her family.
The Fitzwater's (Bryan, Leslie and Kathy)
Mary Stoll Oelerich
February 18, 2018
On behalf of the entire Stoll family, we send our love, prayers, and condolences. Molly's spirit, spunk, and wit will live on in all of you and in your memories.
Doug Geyer
February 18, 2018
Dear McGowan Family,
I am so sad to hear about your loss, and I am truly sorry.
I knew Molly back in the early 1990's. She was always such a bundle of great energy and had the cutest laugh and smile. She lit up the room where ever she went and always looked like a million bucks!
That is how I will always remember her.
Please know I am thinking about all of you and praying for comfort for your entire family.
Love & Hugs,
Kathy Collins
February 18, 2018
I will always remember ASCS basketball games sitting with Molly and watching our girls play. Molly always made me smile. She had amazing energy.
Ann Monaghan Nazar
February 17, 2018
The extended Pete and Mary Monaghan and Ann Monaghan Nazar families extend their sincere condolences. From our 4th daughter, Jennifer Nazar Marra, we only heard of Molly in terms that embraced a great life force and loving presence. Our prayers.
February 17, 2018
May God bring comfort to your family during this sad time. And to her children - May the memories of your life with your dear mother carry you through the days ahead.
Sincerely
LeAnn Nark
February 17, 2018
I shared many wonderful times with Molly as cheerleaders for St Francis High School and as students at St Ursula Academy. Molly was fierce on the field, flip flopping over and over as the rest of us cheered her on! As the smallest of our cheer crew, she was rock solid standing on my shoulders at the top of our pyramids. She may have been pint size but her joyful spirit was enormous! Molly smiled the brightest, cheered the loudest, and cared for her friends with great loyalty and love. My husband, Michael Nark, also spent many fun times with Molly as students at Christ the King School. We are so saddened to hear of Molly's passing. Our prayers are with her family and friends. LeAnn Siegel Nark, SUA graduate 1982
February 17, 2018
Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss. May the God of Comfort give you all that you need during your time of grief and beyond that. To the children, carry those memories of your mother forever.
Respectfully,
February 17, 2018
Molly was beautiful, kind and so funny with her quick whit. I will always remember her. Prayers for her children. Sharon Daniels
Kathryn Moberg
February 17, 2018
I an a recovering alcoholic so know the battle Molly fought. Rest in peace dear lady.
Jacques Family (Lynette, Dave, Nicole, David & Daniel)
February 17, 2018
We are deeply saddened to hear of your tragic loss. Molly was a beautiful person with a beautiful, caring soul. Thankfully, through Facebook, we were able to stay in touch. I enjoyed seeing the pride that she always had in Lee Jr, Abby and Lily. My thoughts and prayers are with the McGowan/Rinker family. I know her family meant everything to her.
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Walker Funeral Home & Crematory - Sylvania5155 W. Sylvania Avenue, Toledo, OH 43623
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