Mary Ann Rohr

With the passing of Mary Ann Rohr at age 93, we have lost a wonderful humorist, journalist and scholar. But most importantly we also remember her as a mother who patiently and generously nurtured the curiosity of her own children and grandchildren. You could ask her anything and she would deliver an answer, pre-Google and pre ChatGPT. Mary Ann died on November 1, 2025, after a long and productive life that unfortunately culminated with an 11-year battle with non-Alzheimer’s dementia.

Mary Ann was born on March 25, 1932, to Mary Barbara (Bishop) Weigelt and Henry Charles Weigelt in Zanesville. She was a Magna Cum Laude graduate of Kent State University with dual majors in journalism and history. She later earned both MA and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Toledo. It was at a Valentine’s Day dance in 1954 that she met her future husband of 68 years, Ed, who was finishing the last semester of engineering studies at Ohio State University.

The two were married a year and a half later during Halloween weekend of 1955. Following their wedding and Ed’s tour of duty in Korea, the two began a family which eventually centered in Toledo. Along the way, they had children, houses, numerous pets and many vacation and business adventures.

Mary Ann initially applied her journalism degree in serving several newspapers including the Toledo Blade. She then became a minor celebrity in the Toledo area as a weekly humor columnist for the Blade. Her columns, under the banner “Almost Anything” dealt with everything from contemporary culture to basic joys and frustration with family life in the 1950s, 60s and 70s. Her focus then shifted to her lifelong love of history, western civilization in particular. Her master’s thesis was entitled A Historiographical Study of Four Enlightened Despots and her Ph. D studies culminated with a dissertation on U.S and South American coffee trade negotiations during the 1940s. And, yes, she did love coffee.

Once her children had grown and grandchildren started arriving, she and Ed entered vigorous retirement years. There was travel, including many European travel excursions and frequent grandkid-sitting quazi-vacations. Mary Ann engaged with the community through activities that included the education of Hmong children, newly immigrated from Vietnam and involvement with Toledo Metroparks, especially activities at Wildwood Preserve. She was also active in several organizations including The League of Women Voters and the PEO (Philanthropic Educational Organization).

In addition to her parents, Mary Ann was predeceased by her husband Edward, her brother Henry Carl “Hank” Weigelt and her youngest son, Peter Rohr. She is survived by her other children, David of Canandaigua, New York, Paul of Whitehouse and Anne (Bill Lewis) of Douglasville, Georgia. Also surviving Mary Ann are her brother Thomas (Cindy Dulude) Weigelt of Las Vegas, Nevada, sister-in-law, Kathleen Haubert, of Fremont, and brother-in-law Thomas (Diane) Rohr, of Ashland along with eight grandchildren, ten great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

For many years, Mary Ann and Ed were parishioners of Gesu Catholic Church but more recently they attended St. Pius Church. We will honor Mary Ann’s memory On Friday, November 7 at the mausoleum at Calvary Cemetery in Toledo. Brief visitation will begin at 11:30 and services will begin at noon. Graveside services will follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to Ohio Living Hospice https://www.ohioliving.org/home-health-hospice or remember her with a donation to the charity of your choice.