Mary Frances Hilinski

Mary Frances Hilinski passed away after an extended illness and was blessed with the sleep of peace on May 10, 2021. She was 85. Born in Broadview Heights, Ohio, Mary graduated from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science in Education. In 1961, she married Tony Hilinski and with their six children relocated from Parma to North Canton in 1977. For 25 years Mary taught Kindergarten at several schools in the Plain Local Schools District. During her career there, she earned a Master of Education Degree from Kent State University. After retiring from teaching, she remained active in North Canton and at St Paul Catholic Church. She loved music, gardening, and delighted in growing hydrangeas and blueberries. Mary was most passionate about teaching children. Many of her former students said that her kind and gentle approach to teaching made her a very memorable Kindergarten teacher. She also taught in the CCD program at St Paul, played the piano at nursing homes, and sang in the church choir for over 20 years. Mary enjoyed traveling with her husband Tony. Together, they visited many National Parks and historical sites in the US. Her trips to Europe included Venice, Ital y and the Czech Republic, home to Mary's maternal ancestors. Mary is survived by her husband of 60 years, Tony; Daughters, Lisa Chesterfield (Randy) Putman of Canton; Claudia Hilinski of Cuyahoga Falls; Sons, Greg Hilinski of North Canton; Drew Hilinski (Jennifer) of Westerville, Oh and Matt Hilinski of Columbus OH; Grandson Jimmy Chesterfield of Nashville, TN; Daughter- in- law Brenda and Grandsons Matthew and Alex Hilinski; Siblings, Leo Bender of Broadview Hts, David (Marjorie) Bender of Broadview Hts., Arthur (Marianne) Bender of Independence, Tom (Lynn) Bender of Strongsville, Barbara Leonard (Mike) Kocsmaros of Parma, and Anne (Tom) Behrend of Brunswick, sister-in-law Rosemary Bender, Marietta GA and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her son Mark Hilinski, son in law Jack Chesterfield, Siblings, Rosemary Bender (Sam) Magee, Margaret Mary, and Joe Bender, in-laws, Judy Bender and Dennis Leonard and her parents Leo and Rose Bender. She treasured her entire family and considered us her greatest gift. Calling hours will be held at 10 AM Tuesday, May 18 at St Paul's Catholic Church in North Canton, OH followed by a Mass of Christian Burial concelebrated by her nephews Rev. Thomas Behrend and Rev. Joseph Hilinski at 11 AM. In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Ohio State University, College of Education and Human Ecology, ehe.osu.edu or to Aultman Hospice and Compassionate Care center aultmanfoundation.org.