Mary Lou Maksymiw

Mary Lou (nee Oberacker) Maksymiw, age 80, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 21, 2022 at her residence following a lengthy illness.

Born March 18, 1942 in Cleveland, Ohio to David and Icy (nee Wildmen) Oberacker, the family moved to Olmsted Falls where Mary Lou went to school, graduating in 1960.  Shortly after graduation, she moved to Toledo, Ohio where her children, Debbra Matheny and Edward Matheny were born.  After several years she moved back to Olmsted Falls where Lawrence and Daniel Cochran were born.  In 1971, they moved to Lorain where she remained.  She married Jerry Maksymiw in 1987 and both are members of Saint John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church.  She was also a member of the National Notary Association and Elyria Eagles.

Mary Lou worked in the cafeteria of Southview High School for 3 years and also for the Clerk of Courts, Auto Title Division in Elyria where she studied and became a full notary public.  She worked up from clerk to supervisor and then to office manager where she served for 10 more years before retiring in 2005 after 30 years of service. 

She enjoyed collecting Betty Boop items, visiting various casinos, camping with family and friends, family get togethers and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Surviving is her husband of 35 years, Jerry Maksymiw; children, Lawrence Cochran and Daniel Cochran; grandchildren, Mitchell III, Marissa, Shannon and Emilee; 8 great grandchildren; brothers, David Oberacker and William Oberacker; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. 

After her daughters passing, Mary Lou became really close to her niece, Libby Faren.

She was preceded by her son, Edward Matheny; Daughter, Debbra Matheny; and both of her parents.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, May 25, 2022 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. with Panachida at 5:00 p.m. in the Dovin Funeral & Cremation Specialists, 2701 Elyria Avenue, Lorain.  Funeral services will be held Thursday at 9:30 a.m. in the funeral home followed by Divine Liturgy at 10:00 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church, 3038 Charleston Ave, Lorain.  Cremation will follow according to her wishes.