Ila Mae Maurer

Ila Mae Maurer, age 86, of Sylvania, Ohio; formerly of Swanton, Ohio, passed away peacefully, Sunday afternoon, January 11, 2015, at The Toledo Hospital with her family at her side. She was born August 30, 1928 in Swanton, Ohio to the late Carl L. and Esther H. (Smith) Judson. Ila Mae graduated valedictorian of her Swanton High School Class of '46. Following graduation, she worked for Richard B. McQuade, Sr., and went on to work as the administrative assistant to George L. Pilliod, President of the Pilliod Cabinet Company.

On November 7, 1948, she married Claren "Mouse" Maurer, Jr. When their only son, entered high school, Ila Mae returned to school full-time to pursue one of her goals in life, obtaining her Bachelor's Degree in Education from Bowling Green State University in 1972. She worked as the librarian at Evergreen High School from 1972-1983 with oversight of the elementary schools. She continued her career with Swanton Local Schools as Elementary Media Director, retiring in 1992.

Ila Mae began attending Trinity United Methodist Church in Swanton at the age of five and was a member since 1945. She was very active in the church, working as the church secretary, church librarian, and was a member of the church choir and United Methodist Women's Group. She was also an original member of the Delphian’s, a women’s study club.

Since moving to Sylvania in recent years, Ila has enjoyed the friendships made at her residence at Mayberry Village. She also made many new friends attending Sylvania United Church of Christ, and especially enjoyed attending bible study and lectures led by Pastor David Anderson, PhD.

Ila enjoyed camping, travel and attending sporting events. Prior to her husband’s death they wintered in Texas and Florida and both had enjoyed a special 2 month trip to Alaska. She was a life-long learner. A voracious reader, she especially enjoyed reading mysteries. Additionally she enjoyed painting, originally with oils and more recently watercolors. She was a member of the Toledo Artists Club and received several ribbons for her entries in art shows. Until her recent illness she enjoyed exercising at St. James Club on a daily basis, enjoying line dancing, water aerobics and walking. This past summer Ila enjoyed taking her son and his family to the lake for a week of fun and relaxation in the Irish Hills. As her cousin stated, “Ila had control of her living experiences, and finding joy in the moment.” Though Ila was quite a quiet person, she had a very soft smile that many will remember.

Ila Mae is survived by her son, Christopher (Mary Jo) Maurer; beloved grandson, Nicholas Maurer; sister, Dolores (Paul) Adams; brother, C. Kent (Rosemary) Judson; brother-in-law, Jerry (Jan) Ruffner; sister-in-law, Janet (Jim) Casacchia; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was especially close with her grand-dog, Riley D., the cairn terrier.

Ila Mae was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Esther Judson, and husband, Claren "Mouse" Maurer, Jr.

We would like to thank the doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists and nursing assistants for their care and concern during Ila’s recent illness and hospitalization.

Family and friends may visit Thursday, January 15th from 2 to 8 p.m., at the Weigel Funeral Home, 204 Chestnut St. in Swanton (419.826.2631). Visitation will continue Friday, January 16th from 10 to 11 a.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 210 N. Main St., where funeral services will begin at 11:00 a.m., with Pastors J.T. Bean and nephew Steven Judson officiating. Interment will follow at a later date at Swanton Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Swanton Public Library, the Lourdes University Lifelong Learning program or the charity of the donor's choice.

Residence: Sylvania, Ohio; formerly of Swanton, Ohio

Visitation: Thursday, January 15th from 2 to 8 pm at the Weigel Funeral Home in Swanton

Funeral Service: Friday, January 16th at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church