Catherine "Cathy" McClary

Cathy is a 1967 graduate of Finneytown High School in Cincinnati, attended William Woods University in Fulton, MO, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Cincinnati in 1971.

Cathy was the consummate creative and thoughtful spouse, mother, Mimi, teacher, friend, and neighbor. She was known for always having a smile on her face and an art project in mind. Cathy's humor and generosity made others feel important and cherished. She dedicated 15 years as a preschool teacher at Maple Grove United Methodist Church and Overbrook Presbyterian Church in Clintonville, where she adored her young students, loved celebrating the holidays (especially St. Patrick's Day), and anything that amplified the color red.

After retirement, Cathy poured her creative talents into custom card making, delighting friends and family with her art one special occasion at a time. She had a special gift for remembering birthdays, anniversaries, and unique celebrations that were meaningful to those she cared for. Cathy will be remembered for her massive collection of Santas and her love for decorating the house for every season.

Cathy’s greatest joy was her family. Whether it was at the family cabin in Saugatuck, MI, laughing across the dinner table, watching the Buckeyes play football on Saturdays, or caring for her cherished dogs, Cathy’s treasured moments were spent with her loved ones. Cathy dedicated years on the sidelines at her children’s numerous sporting events and helped to support dozens of school activities and fundraisers. However, it was her grandson Grant who was the absolute “apple of her eye”. Through their connection, Grant will continue her legacy of compassion and positivity. Cathy has a special love for her sisters, Ann and Sally as well as her adopted “sisters” – Diane Hayford, Chris Leety, Judy Siehl, and Judy Weaver. These relationships span decades and were a source of great happiness.

Cathy is survived by Steve McClary, her high school sweetheart and loving husband of 52 years. Together they enjoyed Broadway musicals, travels through Europe, attending fairs and festivals across Ohio, and annual treks to Timbuk to cut down the family Christmas tree.

Cathy will be missed by her daughter Kate (Matt) Mahler; son Rob (Jennifer) McClary; grandson Grant Mahler; sisters Ann (Luke) Lukens and Sally Mount. She was cherished by her niece Deb (Jim) Barrett and their daughters Kate, Sydney, and Kelsey (Al) Argyris; Becky (Andy) Griesmer and their sons Cam and Luke; nephews Darin Strachan; and Mike (Desiree) and their children Lilyann and Easton.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects from 4:00-7:00 pm on Thursday, April 4 at SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST, 1740 Zollinger Road, Columbus, Ohio 43221. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, April 5 at SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation or to the Ohio Academy of Family Physicians Foundation, organizations close to the hearts of the McClary-Mahler family.