Mary K. Travis

On January 5, 2025, Mary Kay Travis (nee Schoblocher), age 69, left us after a very sudden, brief illness.

We’d like you to know Mary Kay as we did. She was a rare gem, layered and multi-faceted. With her amazing talent, she channeled angels when she sang. She had a warm, soothing voice that never became strident even when angry. Mary always walked her own path and she didn’t suffer fools. She was direct and told you what she thought but was always kind.

When Mary Kay chose her friends, they became family. Fiercely devoted to those she loved, she would always step-up in a crisis. In September, she offered her home for the 50th reunion of our HS graduation when an emergency change of venue was needed. The Class of 1974 enjoyed another of her fabulous parties! Mary loved to cook and bake and she was a consummate hostess.

Mary Kay had a wonderful sense of humor and could be counted on to find the funny side of any situation. When confronted with a terrible illness, she made us laugh with wry commentary.

Mary Kay loved children and had an exceptional knack for relating to them. She had a long career with KinderCare as a teacher and eventually became director at several locations in Ohio and Las Vegas. She formed lifelong connections with many coworkers who became part of her family.

Mary Kay loved dogs and was happiest when they were part of her pack. Most recently, she bonded with her beloved Nitro, the family Great Dane “puppy” and was so thrilled when he came to the hospital to cuddle with her.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Hank and Kathryn Schoblocher, brother John and sister and brother-in-law Liz and Ray Boshara.

She had so many special people whose lives were richer for knowing her, that it is impossible to name everyone. Left to cherish her memory are nieces Melissa Hoover and Michelle Massaro; great niece and nephew Emily and Zachary Meyerson, great-nieces Leila and Lauren Aceto; her adopted family: Joni and Glenn Weiglin, their daughters Christy Hlavaty, Tonya Kramer, Kendra and Madelyn Weiglin and her adored Nitro; close friend Shelly Duplin-Pinhard and her life-long HS friends/”family” Angela Dineen, Mary Fazio Spagnuolo and Diana Fiocca Marshall. We are not the same without her. 

Special thanks to the staff of Summa ICU and Hospice Units, and Dr. Clarissa Lynn Polen-De, for their compassionate care. 

Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life is planned for February 9, 2025 at the VFW Post # 4738, 3733 Fishcreek Rd, Stow, Oh 44224 from 1-3 pm.