Mary Evelyn Brush (Francis) age 87, a loving wife, mother, and grandmother of Troy, Ohio, passed away on September 27, 2025 at Hospice of Dayton. Mary was born on August 23, 1938, in Russia, Ohio, the daughter of Cyril and Marie Francis. She grew up in Russia, Ohio and soon after moved to Piqua where she attended school graduating from Piqua Catholic High School. Mary was an active and devout member of Saint Patrick Catholic Church in Troy, volunteering regularly with the Bereavement Luncheon Ministry for many years.  She is survived by her brothers, Carl Francis of Union City and Dave Francis of California; her children Angie (Bob) Gutmann of Springboro, Mark Hemm of Florida, Shirley (Tom) Schlater of Columbus, Todd (Jody) Hemm of Troy, Keith Hemm of Troy, David (Kris) Brush of Troy and Michael (Christina) Brush of Springboro as well as countless grandchildren and extended family. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Charles E Brush, six brothers: Leroy Francis, Lavern Francis, Valerian "Bub" Francis, Cyril Francis, Jr., Floyd Francis, Ed Francis, two sisters: Helen Bomhard, and Roseann Kinnette, one son Brian Hemm and one son-in-law, Lane Powell.

If ever there was a living embodiment of Christ's unconditional love, it was Mary Brush. Her life was a testament to the Gospels and to the power and importance of family, friends and faith. She was as fierce a protector of her loved ones as she was a follower of Jesus. Mary deeply affected everyone with whom she came into contact - making them always feel special and worthy with just a kind word or a shared laugh - and there were plenty of both - especially in the last few years when health matters were a struggle; yet another testament to her immense strength. Whether it was an OSU game, a tennis match, a night of playing Apples to Apples, a concert, a dinner out, a road trip, a monthly meal with her friends or a simple cup of ice cream, Mary savored every moment of life with her family. Her indelible spirit and legacy lives on in the generations of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren for whom she was and always will be the matriarch.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate Mary's remarkable life at Baird Funeral Home on Wednesday October 1 from 5-7PM with a funeral mass to be held on Thursday October 2 at 10:00AM at Saint Patrick's Catholic Church in Troy, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St Patrick's Bereavement Luncheon Ministry. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.bairdfuneralhome.com.

St. Patrick Catholic Church, Bereavement Luncheon Ministry
409 E. Main Street, Troy OH 45373