Clara “Mary” Marie Girard

Mary Girard, age 95, passed away February 9, 2013. She was born February 16, 1918, the daughter of Clara and Ralph Schuman of Cleveland, Ohio.

In 1955, Mary moved to Ashtabula when relocated by her employer, Archer-Daniels-Midland. She was transferred to act as office manager for her company’s new satellite office.

In 1958, she married Peter. E. Girard Sr. and became mother to Peter Jr., Clareen June Eller, Carol Jean Rutter and Sandra Anne McNally. She was grandmother to 11 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great-grandchildren.

After marrying Peter Sr., she worked closely with Girard Nurseries managing the books. At age 70, she took a long deserved retirement.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Ralph, and sisters Ruth and Edith, and children, Peter Jr. and Clareen June.

In addition to being a perfectionist at house cleaning, Mary’s interests included knitting and dressmaking.

When Mary came to Ashtabula, she was welcomed by its people. When she walked down the street, she was treated like a celebrity. She remembered the reception fondly all of her life.

Friends will be received 5-8 p.m., Friday, February 15, 2013 at The Behm Family Funeral Home, 175 S. Broadway, Geneva. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 a.m.,Saturday, February 16, 2013 at Assumption Church, 594 West Main Street, Geneva. Rev. Melvin Rusnak of of Assumption Church will be officiating. Final Resting Place will be at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Ashtabula.