Mary Francis Nally Moawad

Mary Francis Nally Moawad March 20, 1944 - November 27, 2025 Mary Moawad passed on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2025, after a long battle with cancer and having suffered several strokes. She was lovingly supported in her final days and months by her devoted husband of 50 years, Samir Moawad, and her children, Mia Moawad Forcier and Marcus Moawad. Born in Maumee, Ohio, on March 20, 1944, to Francis and Catherine Nally, Mary was the eldest girl in a lively Irish Catholic family of eleven children. From an early age, she developed the patience, kindness, and strong work ethic that would define her throughout her life. She graduated as Valedictorian and Class President from McAuley High School, an all-girls Catholic school, in 1962. Mary went on to pursue her passion for language and education, earning her bachelor's degree in French and English from Edgecliff College in Cincinnati (now Xavier University), and a master's degrees in French from Bowling Green State University. She further deepened her love of the French language and culture through advanced studies at the University of Laval in Quebec, Canada; the Institut de Touraine in Tours, France; and the University of California, Santa Barbara. Mary and Sam first made their home in Ann Arbor, Michigan, before settling in Toledo, Ohio. Mary was a dedicated and gifted French and English teacher whose passion for teaching touched generations of students. She taught for ten years in Catholic schools. At St. Ursula Academy, she was fondly remembered for singing and dancing to the Go-Go's song "Vacation" with her students at a talent show-an enduring example of her joyful spirit. Mary had a deep love for travel and for all things French-the language, the culture, and the décor that filled her home. She delighted in sharing this passion with others, taking her students abroad on educational trips to France and later bringing her own family there, creating cherished lifelong memories. At the same time, she held a profound love for her Irish heritage. From stories and traditions to music and expressions of pride, Mary embraced her roots wholeheartedly. "Erin go Bragh" was a sentiment she carried in her heart throughout her life. Mary spent forty years with the Toledo Public Schools, where countless students described her as one of the best teachers they ever had. In 2012, Mary moved to Newport Beach, California, to be closer to her children and grandchildren. She embraced her new location wholeheartedly, lovingly decorating her ocean-view home and proudly calling herself a "California girl." She treasured every moment spent with her children and three grandchildren during the past decade, considering it one of the greatest joys of her life. Mary is survived by her husband, Samir; her son Marcus (Gaëlle) Moawad; her daughter Mia (Easton) Forcier; and her beloved grandchildren Sienna Moawad, and Brady and Grace Forcier. She is also survived by her sisters Catherine (Richard) Druffle, Ann Nally, Julia Nally Greiner, and Nora Nally, along with several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her brothers Patrick, Martin, Michael, and Daniel Nally, and her sisters Theresa and Brigid Nally. Mary will be remembered for her gentle and kind heart, unwavering dedication to her students, deep love for her family, and the warmth she brought to every room she entered. Her legacy of love and kindness will continue to shine in all who were fortunate enough to know her. Two services will be held. One will take place at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Newport Beach, California, on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. The other will be held in Toledo, Ohio at Coyle Funeral Home, 1770 S. Reynolds Road, on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

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Mary Francis Nally Moawad

March 20, 1944 - November 27, 2025