Mary Jane Fulcher passed away on May 5, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, sharp humor, strong faith, and a family who will forever hear her voice in both laughter and guidance. She was 82.
Born in St. Louis, Missouri, to Hugh and Ann O’Hara, Mary Jane was the second of eight children in a spirited and joyful Irish Catholic family. In a household where love was abundant and quiet was rare, she learned early how to care for others, stand her ground, and deliver a well-timed remark—all skills she carried with her for life.
Mary Jane answered her calling to nursing with both intellect and heart. She earned her Nursing Diploma from DePaul School of Nursing in Norfolk, Virginia (Class of 1964), followed by a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia in 1968 and a Master’s degree from the Medical College of Ohio. Education, for Mary Jane, was never just about achievement—it was about becoming better equipped to serve others.
She did exactly that. Over the years, Mary Jane cared for her community through her work at Wood County Hospital, the Congregational Nurse Project of Northwest Ohio, and in hospice care, where her presence brought comfort during life’s most difficult moments. She also taught nursing at Owens Tech, where students quickly learned two things: she expected excellence, and she would help you get there. She was often described as having “the patience of a saint”—though her students might add that she also had the timing of a comedian and could keep you on your toes.
Her faith was not just something she practiced—it was something she lived. As President of St. Vincent de Paul’s Food Bank at St. Thomas More, Mary Jane worked tirelessly to provide not just food, but dignity and kindness to those in need. She believed deeply that everyone deserved to be seen, cared for, and respected.
Mary Jane was known for her quick wit, kind heart, and unwavering dedication to nursing and family. She had a way of making people feel both cared for and gently “kept in line,” often in the same sentence. She especially treasured her large extended family and rarely missed the annual “O’Hara Superstars” reunion—an event that perfectly matched her love of laughter, storytelling, and a little friendly chaos.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Lewis; and her siblings, Michael and Joanne.
She is survived by her children: Lewis (Nancy), Shelly (Caryl), and Brian; her cherished grandchildren Courtney, C.J., Nicole, Lena, Lucas, Anna, Silas, and Leyton; and great-grandson Jacob. She is also survived by her siblings Hugh, Fr. Jack, Jim, Pat, and Charlie; along with sisters-in-law, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins who will miss her dearly—and likely try to carry on her stories, though none quite as well.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to St. Vincent de Paul’s Food Bank at St. Thomas More University Parish.
