Mary Barbara Marks (December 7, 1940 – September 9, 2024)
Mary Barbara Marks, beloved Mother to two children, Bret, of St. Louis, Missouri and Scott, of Macedonia, Ohio and her five Grandchildren, Rory, Rachel, Kayla, Ryan and Collin passed away on September 9th, 2024.
Mary was preceded in death by her two Brothers, James and David Shuttera. She is survived by many friends and relatives, in particular her Best Friend, Mary Quinlan, who has been like a Sister to her since childhood, who cherish and will never forget the love she brought to their lives.
Born in Cleveland in 1940 to loving parents Shirley and Elizabeth Shuttera. Mary lived her entire life in the Greater Cleveland area, attending Grade school at St. Clement in Lakewood and High School at St. Joseph Academy in Cleveland, whom she credits with instilling a lifelong love of continued learning. Mary began her higher education journey at Kent State University and later obtained undergraduate and graduate degrees from Cleveland State University in the field of Speech Pathology and Audiology while raising two young children. Graduating at the top of her class, she immediately put those degrees to good use working at the Cleveland VA Hospital and within the Lakewood School District as a Speech Therapist. In that role, Mary improved the lives of countless United States Veterans and young children struggling with speech and hearing impediments.
Mary was a devoted Catholic and was actively involved with Meals on Wheels, her local Library and other volunteer activities in her early retirement years. Throughout her life, Mary befriended nearly everyone she interacted with. She always saw the good in people and was warm, kind and generous to anyone in need. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
In honor of her wishes, Mary was cremated on September 10th. Rather than Visitation and Rite of Committal, a Memorial Mass will be held in her remembrance at St. Bernadette Catholic Church in Westlake, Ohio, to honor her life. The date of this service has not yet been determined. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mary’s name can be made to St. Joseph Academy, 3470 Rocky River Drive, Cleveland, OH 44111.
Bret and Sharon, we are shocked and saddened to hear of Mary’s passing. Grieve as you need to and try to remember all of the good times. With our deepest sympathies, Fred and Patty Lenkman
Bret & Sharon,
So sorry to hear about your mother’s passing. Take comfort in knowing she has gone to a much better place and is at peace. Let Jean and I know if there is anything at all we can do for you or your families. With Blessings, Paul & Jean
On a beautiful summer afternoon in Rocky River OH, a group of Mary Barb’s friends gathered for brunch, lively conversation , and togetherness.
Always fashionable and lovely , Mary Barb chatted and engaged in the joys of long time friendships.
It has been our ritual to gather monthly around a big table , toast each other, and share our stories.
Those tables, those many shared meals, those important conversations are now treasured memories of a dear friend . We miss her.
If I may speak for all of us, our hearts are saddened and we mourn Mary Barb’s passing.
With sympathy to you, her family, and with condolences may God be with you during this time of grief. Mary Jo