Marianne (Zuppan) Sowry

Marianne Sowry, age 84, of Dorset Twp., died Wednesday morning at the Jefferson Healthcare Center.

She was born January 3, 1934 in Cleveland, the daughter of Joseph & Ann (Sika) Zuppan and has been an area resident most of her life.  Marianne was married to C. William Sowry on August 19, 1950 at St. Joseph Calasanctius Church in Jefferson.  She was with Jefferson Area Local Schools more than 20 years, serving as head cook at Dorset Elementary and Jefferson Area High School.

Following retirement, Marianne served 12 years on the Jefferson Area Local School Board, she also served on the Jefferson Foundation Board.  In her earlier years she was a 4-H Advisor and a home room mother.  “Sunday Morning Breakfasts” were a tradition at the Sowry home.  Marianne was a passionate sports enthusiast, her teams were the Browns, Indians, OSU sports teams, Norte Dame sports teams and most of all the Jefferson Area Athletics and other extracurriculars.  She never missed a grandchild’s game or activity.  She was known for her famous Falcon Fudge.

Survivors include her husband, C. William “Bill” Sowry, seven children, Marsha Hinkle of Jefferson, Mark (Sindy) Sowry of Lenox Twp., James Sowry of Dorset Twp., Brad Sowry of Willowick, Suzanne (Larry Matousek) Buell of Madison, Christine (James) Preston of Jefferson & David Sowry of Dorset Twp.; 15 grandchildren, Branden Hinkle, Stacy (Matt) Alexander, Jennifer (Allan) Alvarado, Melissa & Heather Sowry, Thomas Sowry, Cara (Bill) Maylish, Cami Sowry, Loretta & Emily Buell, Alicia, Aleah & Aaron Preston and Cody & Courtney Sowry; eight great-grandchildren, Tyler, Trinity, John, Josephine, Jax, Emma, Grayson & Lucy and a sister, Janet (James) Shugar of Middleburg Hts.

Her parents, a son, John Sowry; a son-in-law, Jack Hinkle and grandson, Garrick Sowry preceded her in death.

Graveside services will be Saturday at 11:00 A. M. at Dorset Cemetery with the Rev. Fred Grimm of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church officiating.  A Celebration of Life Brunch will follow at 12:00 noon at the Jefferson United Methodist Church, 125 E. Jefferson St., Jefferson.  The family suggests anyone attending services or the brunch to wear sports apparel from one of Marianne’s favorite teams.  Also, the family request no flowers be sent and if desired make a contribution to one of your favorite charities or any of Marianne’s involvements in this context.

The Fleming & Billman Funeral Directors and Crematory, Jefferson, Ashtabula & Geneva is honored to serve the Marianne Sowry family.  Visit fleming-billman.com to view obituary, express condolences or light a candle.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Marianne (Zuppan) Sowry, please visit our floral store.