Mary C. Tucker

Mary C. Tucker, 91, of New Philadelphia, passed away Sunday, January 3, 2021 at her home following a recent illness.

A daughter of a Lutheran minister, the late Rev. Lloyd M. Riggle and his wife, Anna Caroline Riggle, Mary was born December 16, 1929 at Minerva, Ohio.

Mary graduated from Strasburg High School and continued her education at Capital University, Kent State University and Ashland University where she obtained a B.S. in Education and a M.A. in Education. She served as a teacher for almost 35 years in both the Canton City School District and the Dover City School District, retiring in 1989. Mary loved teaching and enjoyed watching the advancement of her students.

On October 19, 1950, Mary married William J. Tucker in Emmanuel Lutheran Church at New Philadelphia. The couple shared nearly 70 years of marriage prior to William’s passing on September 19, 2020.

She was a longtime member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church. Over the years, Mary taught Sunday School, Vacation Bible School and served with various women’s groups in the church. During her younger years, Mary enjoyed playing the organ and piano for various churches that her father pastored.

Mary was also active in many other organizations including the Fortnightly Music Club for over 50 years, the Tuscarawas County College Club, American Association of University Women, Alpha Kappa Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, Tuscarawas County Retired Teachers, Ohio Education Association and the National Education Association.

Following her retirement from teaching, Mary served as a volunteer in the gift shop of Union Hospital and for Mobile Meals for many years.

She enjoyed traveling with William over the years with some of their most notable destinations being, Europe, Alaska, the Panama Canal, Costa Rica and Guatemala. Mary also enjoyed their yearly vacations to Myrtle Beach. Following their retirement, Mary and William enjoyed spending time on their houseboat at Atwood Lake.

She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Susan and John Wright of Medina, Ohio and Sally and Lou Mascia of Wellington, Florida; her grandchildren, Mary (Shannon) Burns, Emily Michelle (Ryan) Pruchnicki, John Wright, Tim (Danielle) Mascia and Jillian (Kris) Smith; her great-grandchildren, Otto Wright, Estella and Adalyn Burns and Katherine, Jackson, Tucker and Lincoln Pruchnicki; two brothers, Theodore “Ted” (Bonnie) Riggle of New Concord, Ohio and Timothy (Barbara) Riggle of Berea, Ohio and many nieces and nephews.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and her siblings, Winifred Teale, Phillip Luther and Lester and Paul Riggle.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 9, 2021 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in Emmanuel Lutheran Church at New Philadelphia. A funeral service celebrating Mary’s life will follow at 12:00 p.m. in the church with Rev. Robert Linsz and Rev. Stephen Patrick officiating. Burial will follow in Grandview Union Cemetery at Strasburg.

Due to COVID 19, safety precautions will be taken. The 6-foot rule will be honored and all guests are required to wear a mask while attending the visitation and service.

Contributions may be made in Mary’s memory to Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 202 East High Avenue, New Philadelphia, OH 44663 and/or to Community Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 716 Commercial Avenue SW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.