Mary M. Shilakis 1932-2025

Maggie was born Aug. 21, 1932, in Mifflin Township, Pa., to Fred and Magda Schlueter.

She was a graduate of East Palestine High School in Ohio, obtained a bachelor’s degree from the University of Steubenville and a master’s degree from Youngstown State University.

Maggie was a devoted English and reading teacher at Howland Junior High School for 25 years. She earned a Teacher of the Year Award, was a Jennings Scholar award winner, served as advisor for the student newspaper and judged various student competitions. She was a member of several education associations such as OEA, ORTA, HCTA and served as president of the local Delta Kappa Gamma chapter.

Maggie’s commitment to St. Robert Catholic Church prompted her to serve in countless ways. She chaired the ladies guild and the rummage sale, served on the bereavement committee, represented the parish at Cortland ecumenical luncheons and was active in the home visitation ministry. In addition, she was one of the first female Eucharistic ministers, chaired a Renew Bible study group, was a CCD instructor, a church directory worker, a collections counter, a prayer chain organizer and was a member of the 55-plus club.

In her leisure time, Maggie could be found attending her flowers, playing golf, reading, traveling, playing bridge and participating in a spiritual book club. At age 90, she still walked a mile each day and did floor yoga. Maggie treated everyone with kindness and respect, and possessed a positive attitude. Over the years she chauffeured and administered to many people who were homebound or without transportation, believing that in doing for others one receives countless blessings.

Maggie’s greatest love was for her family. Her last years were spent living with her daughter, Ann, and her husband, Robert.

Maggie is survived by her three children, Ann (Robert) Ochtyun of Warren, Eric (Diah) Shilakis of Jakarta, Indonesia, and Mary (David) Alexander of Centerville; six grandchildren, Chris Ochtyun, Katie (Joseph) Pavlich, Natalie Alexander, Zara Shilakis, Rayssa Anggraeni and Kareem Sjahrasjid; and two great-grandchildren, Asher and Gwennie Kate Pavlich.

Maggie is also survived by her sister, Gertrude Schlueter; and brother, Francis Schlueter.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dr. Robert Shilakis, a local dentist; her parents; and two brothers, Fr. Clemens Schlueter and Frederick Schlueter.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to C.H.O.W., Cortland Humanitarian Outreach Worldwide, c/o St. Robert Catholic Church, 4659 Niles Cortland Road, Cortland, OH 44410.

Calling hours will be 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, at the Peter Rossi & Son Memorial Chapel, Warren, 1884 North Road NE, with a concluding service at 6 p.m. led by the Rev. Carl Kish.

Family and friends can visit www.peterrossiandsonfh.com to view this obituary and send condolences to Maggie’s family.

(special notice)