Mary Jo Ann Celek

Mary Jo Ann (Batal) Celek, 80, of Port Clinton, Ohio passed away peacefully at her residence on Saturday, December 20, 2014. She was born on October 29, 1934 in Fremont, Ohio to Edward and Nellie (Jabour) Batal. Mary Jo attended St. Joseph elementary and high school to her junior year. She moved to Highland Park, Michigan and graduated from St. Benedict High School. Mary Jo worked at Herbrand and H & M Bakery in Fremont. On June 14, 1958 Mary Jo married Richard R. Celek at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Fremont. Their marriage was blessed with six children: Timothy E. (Susan) Celek, Costa Mesa, CA; Terrence J. Celek, Cincinnati, OH; Brian F. (Martha) Celek, Charleston, SC; Beth Ann (Stephen) Vanderpool, Harkers Heights, TX; Bruce A. (Alissa) Celek, Charlotte, NC; and Craig D. Celek, Costa Mesa, CA. Eleven grandchildren: Emily, Lauren, Michael, Jenna, Brison, Samantha, Christine, Mary, Lucas, Brinsley, and Braxton. Two great-grandchildren: Logan and Olivia. When Mary Jo's last child was in school, she was employed by the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office as head cook for 18 years, retiring in 1998. Mary Jo volunteered at the Ida Rupp Library for many years. She was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Port Clinton. She contributed her time and effort for school lunches, special dinner prep for Father Resacher's 40th anniversary to the priesthood, bingo, CFM (Catholic Family Movement), Altar Rosary Society and study club. Mary Jo enjoyed traveling to visit her children wherever they have lived: Ohio, New Jersey, South Carolina, North Carolina, California, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Colorado, Illinois, and Hong Kong. Mary Jo enjoyed reading novels so much she had been known to read 20 books a week. She even read books as she walked to and from work. Mary Jo followed and supported her children in their many activities: science fairs, sports, band, CCD (Continuing Catholic Development) and even truck driving for Brian's mowing service. Mary Jo was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Nellie Batal and an infant sister. Visitation will be held on Friday, December 26, 2014 from 5-8pm at the Neidecker, LeVeck & Crosser Funeral Home, 1124 Fulton Street, Port Clinton, where members of the Altar Rosary will recite the rosary at 7:45pm. On Saturday, December 27, 2014 prayers will begin at 9:30am at the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10am at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 414 Madison Street, Port Clinton. A light luncheon will follow at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 109 E. Perry Street, Port Clinton. Graveside services and burial will be held at 1:30pm at St. Joseph Cemetery, 997 Cleveland Avenue, Fremont, Ohio. Memorial contributions may be made to the Immaculate Conception School, Ida Rupp Library, Heartland Hospice, or charity of donor's choice. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.neideckerleveckcrosser.com The Celek family wishes to thank the multitude of individuals for their tremendous number of thoughts and prayers. Funeral Home: Neidecker-LeVeck & Crosser Funeral Home - Port Clinton Chapel 1124 Fulton Street Port Clinton, OH US 43452