Mariann Frances Paton, 94, of Centerville, Ohio, passed away peacefully Thursday, June 4, 2026. Mariann was born on March 9, 1932, the beloved only child of Helen A. (Daum) and Edmund W. Link. She attended Our Lady of Mercy Grade School, where she met her lifelong best friend, Kay George, and went on to graduate from Julienne High School.

In 1956, Mariann married Mark H. Schaefer, Jr., and together they welcomed six children. She was a wonderful and devoted mother and homemaker. When her children reached school age, she embarked on a long and fulfilling career with Lawyers Title Insurance Company. In retirement, she treasured her time working alongside her daughter Teresa, keeping the books and sharing lunches at Elsa's.

Later in life, a high school reunion brought a wonderful surprise. Mariann reconnected with a childhood sweetheart, and that renewed friendship blossomed into a second chapter of love. She and William T. Paton married, and with great joy their families became one, joining her six children with his six. Together they shared 22 deeply happy years, filled with travel and cherished time with family, until Bill's passing in 2024.

Mariann is survived by her children and their spouses: Loretta & William Puncer, Teresa (deceased) & Brian Hucke, Carolyn & James Dodok, Christopher & Pamela Schaefer, Rosemary & Gene Cooke, and Marie & Ned Gruebmeyer.

She delighted in time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whether over a hand of solitaire or giving one of her legendary back rubs.

Her grandchildren include Nicholas Puncer (Stephen Ferguson), Claire Noble (Donivan), Kathryn Gawne (Michael), Max Baumann (Chelsea), Mariann Secrest (Matthew), Marie Knecht (Luke), and Emma & Grace Schaefer. Her great-grandchildren include Graham & Warren Gawne; Oliver, Lilah, John & Nicholas Baumann; Elijah Noble and Ben Secrest.

Mariann spent 94 years loving her family wholeheartedly and she will be greatly missed. She was the last of her generation and a woman whose warmth, loyalty, and grace touched everyone who knew her.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, June 16 at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church on Wilmington Pike. She will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School.

The WESTBROCK FUNERAL HOME-KETTERING is serving her family.