Mary Tobias Obituary

Mary Margaret 'Mitzi' Tobias, 67, gained her wings Saturday, October 25th, 2025, at 4:30pm surrounded by the love of her family.
She was born January 20th, 1958, to parents Joseph and Lucia DeCola (Potente) in Ashtabula, Ohio. She was a life-long area resident attending Harbor High School class of 1976. After high school she worked several different careers before going back to school. This decision came to her while she was a Union Member of Elkem Metals. Mary had a thirst for knowledge and education. She obtained her Associate's Degree from Kent State University for Nursing, and continued to further her education at Case Western Reserve University (Francis Payne Bolton School of Nursing) to achieve her Bachelor's Degree of Nursing Science.
Mary was a part of many different organizations throughout her life, including Fraternal Order of Eagles #1463 were she served as bowling league president for many years, American Legion Post #103, and the Sigma Theta Tau International Society of Nursing. She was hard-working and dedicated to her calling as a nurse, working for over 30 years in her profession. She worked multiple positions in her nursing career including critical care and leadership roles such as the Director of Nursing and MDS. Mary cared for thousands of local residents with compassion, empathy, and love over her many years.
Mary was very sociable, what she loved most on this earth was spending time with her family and friends, holding large gatherings, and always making sure there was more than enough food for everyone. Mary was a welcoming person and loved with her whole heart. Known for being everyone's 'mom' and a natural caregiver to those she loved. She had many interests, enjoying bingo, reading many books, casinos, water parks and traveling, mainly to Florida, Las Vegas, and Niagara Falls.
Mary was a compassionate, strong, loving, hard-working, and intellectual person that carried her faith with her always. She loved her sisters, brothers, children, grandchildren, grand dogs, nieces, nephews, and friends with her entire being. Mary was the matriarch of her family and her presence will forever live in their hearts.
Mary is preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Lucia DeCola (Potente); spouse, Thomas E. Tobias; and siblings, Mary Lou DeCola, and Theresa DeCola.
She is survived by siblings, Joseph (Wanda) DeCola, Joanna (William) Schiedel, David (Cynthia) DeCola, and Nicholas DeCola; children, Scott DeCola (Justin Stiles DeCola), Cassandra (Michael) Wade, Cody Tobias (Amber Adams), and Dawn Childs; grandson Max Edward Wade; granddaughters; and dozens of nieces and nephews who are all cherished and beloved.
Calling Hours will be held November 1st, 2025, from 11am-1pm at Zaback-Williams-Ducro, 500 Prospect Road, Ashtabula, Ohio 44004. Services will follow at 1pm with Reverend Mary Colter officiating. There will be a Celebration of Life following the services for family and friends to rejoice in her memory.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in her name to Ashtabula County Animal Protective League, 5970 Green Rd, Ashtabula, OH 44004, and Hospice of the Western Reserve, 1166 Lake Ave, Ashtabula, OH 44004.
Zaback-Williams-Ducro is handling arrangements.
Online obituary and condolences can be found at www.ducro.com
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