Mary Elizabeth Gleason

Mary Elizabeth Wessel Gleason passed away peacefully on April 20, 2026, with her loving husband by her side. She leaves behind an enduring legacy of love, humor, kindness, strength, and unwavering faith that will be cherished by all who knew her.

From Timothy 4:7, Mary lived as a faithful servant of the Lord, courageously fighting the “good fight” and steadfastly keeping the faith throughout her illness. When asked about her life, she would simply say, “I had a wonderful life with no regrets.”

Mary lived a life deeply rooted in devotion to her family and faith. Until her final moments, she worked diligently to keep her heart in spiritual order. She embodied strength, generosity, and humor, along with impeccable taste in everyday moments, always delivered with her unmistakable designer style and glamour.

The oldest of nine children, Mary was born on July 1, 1942, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to the late Paul Wessel and Eleanor Adkinson Wessel. Raised in Mt. Lookout, she grew up surrounded by four brothers and four sisters, including two sets of twins. As the eldest sibling, Mary proudly embraced her role as matriarch. She was deeply loved and respected, serving as the heart of the family and joyfully nurturing her younger brothers and sisters.

Mary dearly loved her parents and personally cared for them throughout their lives and into their dying days. Raised in a closeknit Catholic household supported by her father’s film service company and a devoted mother caring for nine children, Mary developed the traditional family values that defined her life, where family always came first.

Mary attended Summit Country Day, graduating in a class of just 18 students, where she cultivated a lifelong appreciation for art. After graduating, she studied art at the University of Cincinnati. A talented watercolor artist, Mary frequently shared her paintings with friends and family, gifting them pieces of her creativity and heart.

Mary was introduced to Donald W. Gleason through a close friend, and on February 27, 1965, they were united in holy matrimony at St. Mary’s Church in Hyde Park. Their marriage of more than 61 years, marked by deep commitment, laughter, and enduring companionship.

Family was everything to Mary. She had a passionate heart and a joyful, humorous spirit, always ensuring those she loved lived life to the fullest. After seven years of marriage, Don and Mary were blessed to begin their family. Mary embraced her calling as a devoted wife and mother to three sons, Donald Kenneth, Ryan Michael, and Kevin Christopher, all of Cincinnati. With her generous heart, she also lovingly welcomed and raised her nephew, Jonathan Wessel, as one of her own, often saying proudly, “I have four boys.” Her unwavering dedication to all of them played a central role throughout her life. Surrounding her family was a wide circle of close, loyal, and cherished friends who enriched her life.

Mary embarked on a remarkable 40year career in real estate with Sibcy Cline Realtors, rising to the position of Executive Sales Vice President. She became one of the firm’s top agents and a recognized leader in luxury home sales. Her achievements included numerous MillionDollar Club Awards and a

reputation for excellence, integrity, and professionalism.

Mary cherished traveling, and she and Don frequently spent winter months in Florida, enjoying weeks of sunshine filled with golf, friends, and daily entertaining. This treasured tradition continued well into their later years. Mary’s most beloved journey was a trip to Spain with Kevin and Nori; an adventure she fondly remembered for its vibrant shopping, exploration of historic sites, and breathtaking cathedrals.

Mary loved entertaining, celebrating life’s joyful occasions, and dining at the country club. An accomplished golfer, she often found herself atop the leaderboard in club tournaments. She also delighted in cooking, especially desserts, frequently experimenting with new sweet recipes to share with family and friends.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Paul Kenneth Sr. and Eleanor Madeline Adkinson Wessel; her siblings Mary Kathleen (Kathy), John Christopher (Chris), Paul Kenneth Jr. (Hank), Mary Margaret (Peggy), and Mary Gail (Gay); as well as her beloved aunt, Mary Elizabeth (Betty) Cohen.

Those who remain to honor and carry forward Mary’s legacy include her devoted husband of 61 years, Donald William Gleason; her loving sons Donald Kenneth (Anne Schaefer), Ryan Michael, Kevin Christopher, and Jonathan Wessel; her cherished grandchildren Kelsey and Kenzie; her loving siblings Michael Joseph Wessel, Peter Nicholas Wessel, and Mary Eleanor (Nori) St. Paul; her sister-in-law Deborah Faber Wessel; her brother-in-law Jim Tribble; her cousin Sue Nemenz; those Mary fondly referred to as her “devoted and low flying angels,” Garnet Ingram and Gina Billings; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.

Friends are invited to visit with her family on Tuesday, May 12, from 10AM until the time of the Memorial Service, 11AM at Thomas-Justin Memorial, 7500 Montgomery Rd. (45236) Kenwood.