Maryann Munroe

Maryann Munroe, age 80, of Gahanna, Ohio, passed away on Friday, March 15, 2024, after a courageous second battle with cancer.

Maryann was born in Woburn, Massachusetts on August 21,1943 to Silas J. Baird and Dorothy Darr Baird. After graduating from Woburn High School in 1961, she married Donald W. Munroe. They began life as a couple in a modest home on Porter Street in Woburn while Don served in the United States Coast Guard. They shared 41 years together until Don's death in March of 2003.

Above all else, Maryann fiercely loved her children and was a devoted mother who never wavered in her support for Donna, Matthew and Roger.

Maryann had a life-long love of animals and was particularly fond of cats and cows. She had many pets over the years and, even if she initially told her children no when they wanted a new pet, she always caved in and grew to love all the dogs, gerbils, snakes and other living creatures they brought home.

From the time she was a small child, Maryann loved music, especially the country genre. She learned to play the guitar at a young age and mastered the organ as an adult.

Maryann was always up for a spirited discussion about politics. She believed passionately that all people deserved to be treated equally and she instilled that belief in her children.

She was an avid reader of both fiction and non-fiction. She shared her love of reading with her children and trips to the library or bookstore were a normal part of life.

Maryann had artistic talent that is evident in her scrapbooks and her many sewing projects. She could create anything with her sewing machine from ice skating costumes for her daughter to suits for work to clothes for dolls.

She enjoyed collecting dolls especially Madame Alexander and Barbie. She also liked miniatures and owned dollhouses.

Nova Scotia, Canada held a special place in her heart. As a young person she spent many summers in the Province and loved her time on Park and Lilly's farm. Any mention of Canada brought a smile to her face.

Maryann was a woman of strong faith and she demonstrated that faith through action. She was a longtime Stephen Minister and cared deeply for the people she encountered in that program. She participated in a mission trip to Honduras with a team from Central College Presbyterian
Church and that journey had a significant impact on her life. Maryann never turned away someone in need.

She worked for years as a credit and catalogue manager at JCPenney both at the Northland store and the Polaris location. She formed many strong friendships during her time at JCPenney and she cherished those relationships.

Maryann is survived by her three children Donna Sweet (Michael); Matthew Munroe (April); and Roger Munroe, as well as her precious grandson, Ty Munroe. She is also survived by her sisters, Constance Baird Barnes and Carolyn Sebastian Mortenson.

Maryann was pre-deceased by her husband, her parents, and her beloved Great Aunt and Great Uncle, Lida and George Driscoll.

Family will receive friends at Moreland Funeral Home, 55 E. Schrock Road, Westerville, on Wednesday, March 20th from 5 - 8 pm. A memorial service and celebration of life will be held on Thursday, March 21, 2024 at 11 am at Central College Presbyterian Church, 975 South Sunbury Road, Westerville, Ohio. The service will be followed by a luncheon at the church in Ballard Hall.

Memorial donations may be made in loving memory of Maryann Munroe to Central College Presbyterian Church Food Pantry, 975 South Sunbury Road, Westerville, Ohio 43081.