Marian Ann Thomas (née Ebel)'s Obituary
Marian Ann Thomas, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family.
Born on July 26, 1934, to Edward Henry Ebel and Anna Margaret (Bock), Marian grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, and was a proud graduate of West High School. She was the eldest sister to Glenn (Rosemary), Arlene (Frank), Judith (the late Joseph), and Michael (Judith), all of whom continue to cherish her memory.
Marian was a trailblazer in her time—a strong, independent woman and trend-setting single mother who successfully raised two children on her own in the 1960s and 70s, when such a path was far from easy. Her resilience and dedication shaped the lives of her children and will continue to inspire generations.
Throughout her life, Marian was known for her strong work ethic and unwavering dedication, contributing her talents to St. John’s Hospital, Cope Inc., and Mail Marketing. Yet her greatest devotion was always to her family, her faith, and living life to the fullest.
She was a loving mother to John (Helen/Jelena) and Mary (Mason), and a proud grandmother to eight grandchildren: Daniel (Ariel), Deborah, Philip (Emma), Bethany, Adam, Michael (Amy), Evangeline (Jesse), and Gabriel. Her legacy continues through her four great-grandchildren: Mordecai, Mercy, Knox, and Oakley. Marian is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Affectionately known as "Grandma Fun Time," Marian embraced every moment to make life joyful for those around her. She loved a good party, good foods, good desserts, and good movies — and was always ready to go somewhere, whether near or far. Sibling vacations to Florida were a definite highlight for her — laughter-filled gatherings which often included playful comparisons of everyone’s medications, as only siblings can do.
She delighted in family game nights, especially playing Rummy, Mexican Train Dominoes, and Chinese Checkers — games where she almost always won, fair and square. Marian’s quick wit, competitive spirit, and deep love for family gatherings made her the heart of every celebration.
Her Roman Catholic faith was a cornerstone of her life. Marian was a parishioner of St. Colman, St. Charles Borromeo, Holy Family, and St. Colette parishes over the years, finding deep community and spiritual strength within her church homes.
Family and friends are invited to honor Marian’s life at a visitation on Tuesday, March 18, at 10:00 AM at St. Colette Catholic Church, 330 West 130th Street, Brunswick, OH 44212, followed by a funeral mass at 11:00 AM. Interment will take place immediately following mass at Holy Cross Cemetery, 14609 Brookpark Road, Brook Park, OH 44142, with a luncheon to follow at The Aviator Restaurant, 20920 Brookpark Road, Cleveland, OH 44135.
Marian’s kindness, sense of humor, and love will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of her family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Marian by spending time with your loved ones, playing a game in her memory, or performing an act of kindness in her name. Donations may also be made to Gentiva Hospice (https://gentivahs.com) which helped care for Marian in her final days, or to Catholic Charities (https://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/), continuing her legacy of faith and service.
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