Mary McEldowney

Mary (Hecht) McEldowney, 71, of Greenville, Ohio, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, March 28, 2024, surrounded by her loved ones at her home. 

She was born on May 8, 1952, in Dayton, Ohio, to the late Harry and Marguerite (Breig) Fink. 

In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her daughter-in-law, Robin Grimsley; her grandson, James Grimsley III; her brother, Joe Breig; and her father-in-law, Cletus McEldowney. 

Mary is survived by her husband of 21 years, Kevin McEldowney, whom she married on June 15, 2002; her children, Jim (Natasha) Grimsley and Olivia Yount; her stepchildren, Brad (Tiffany) McEldowney and Bryan (Anne) McEldowney; her 10 grandchildren; her siblings, Nancy (Bob) Dean, Susan (Ken) DeLong, Charles (Anne-Marie) Hecht, Glenn (Shirley) Breig, and Deborah (Bob) Haller; her mother-in-law, Patricia (Barga) McEldowney; her in-laws, Sheliah (Larry) Sutter, Maureen (James) Miller, Deron McEldowney, and Sean (Danita) McEldowney; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. Mary is also survived by her beloved pups, Louie and Blue. 

Mary was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She cared for many families and children in her home for 40 years. Mary said it was her love for kids that kept her determination and willpower strong during her illness. Anyone that knew Mary had a story to tell how she touched their lives and the positive impact she left. She helped raise many children and shape them into wonderful adults. She was an advocate for the poor, hungry, and disabled for decades. Mary was a regular volunteer at food banks, ministries, and outreach programs for many years. She often spent her extra time and money helping others anyway she could. Mary inspired all those who knew her to be better humans as she led by example. Mary believed that the intervention of love and prayer sustains us through any pain. 

Mary and Kevin were active member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Greenville. She enjoyed many times with countless friends throughout the years. Mary loved to laugh, take kids to the park, pool, and the library, read her Bible, cook, and be with her family and friends. 

Mary's loving and caring heart will continue to shine as she donated her body for research at Wright State University, to help find cures for cancer and other illnesses. 

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Greenville. A private burial will take place in Calvery Cemetery in Dayton. 

Guests may visit with Mary's family on Saturday, September 14, 2024, from 9:00 AM until 10:00 AM at Tribute Funeral Homes, Greenville Campus. 

Tribute Funeral Homes is serving Mary's family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to EverHeart Hospice, 1350 N. Broadway St., Greenville, Ohio, 45331, or the Cancer Association of Darke County, PO Box 781, Greenville, Ohio 45331.

Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.tributefuneralhomes.com.