Mary Cann

Mary Kathryn (Van Gundy) Cann, 99, of Lancaster, Ohio, passed away peacefully on July 28, 2015, at Fairhope Hospice's Pickering House in Lancaster. She was born August 30, 1915, and was the daughter of Arthur Benson and Florence May Van Gundy.

Mary graduated from Lancaster High School with the class of 1933. In 1936 she graduated from Southern Seminary College in Buena Vista, Virginia and later attended The Ohio State University. Mary taught physical education and Ohio history at both North and East Schools from 1937 to 1945.

Mary and her husband purchased the West Side Coal Company in 1946 and she remained an officer and member of the Board of Directors throughout her lifetime.

She was a member and past president of Froebel Club, Twig 7, and Parents’ League. Mary was also past President of the YWCA and was instrumental in the formation of the local Biddy Basketball Program. Mary was a den mother for the North School Cub Scouts and active in the scouting activities.
She volunteered for ‘Meals on Wheels’ and served several years as a docent in the 'old school house' during the Fairfield County Fair. Mary was a member of the Laura Rice Seaman Church Circle and a lifetime member of the First United Methodist Church.

Kate, as many of her friends called her, enjoyed reading, playing bridge, wintering in Florida, traveling and both playing and watching golf. She had a wonderful group of friends, many of whom she had known since childhood. Although Mary lived for many years as a widow, the love and support of her family, friends and neighbors gave her life meaning and fulfillment. The Cann family wishes to extend a special thank you to caregivers Leslie McCoy and Joy Preston and the caring, supportive staff at the Pickering House.

Mary is survived by her son, William H. (Susan) Cann; grandchildren, William H. (Janny) Cann, Alex (Kelly Messerly) Cann, and Brook Cann (Jeremie) Roshon; great grandchildren, Wystan and Auden Cann and Holden and Harper Roshon. She was lovingly referred to as GMC by her grandchildren and Gigi by her great grandchildren.

She is proceeded in death by her parents; husband, William H. Cann; infant children, Arthur and Susan Cann; brothers, Richard Benson (Viola), John David (Mary Elizabeth) and Arthur Boice (Sally) Van Gundy.

Pallbearers: Will Cann, Alex Cann, Jeremie Roshon, David Van Gundy, Ben Van Gundy, Barry Waller & John Acton. Honorary pallbearers: Brook Cann Roshon, Janny Lai Cann, Kelly Messerly Cann & Jon Monger.

A service will take place on Monday August 3rd, at 1PM at the FRANK E. SMITH FUNERAL HOME, officiated by Cheryl Foulk. Family and friends may visit at the funeral home on Sunday from 4PM until 7PM and one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow the service at Forest Rose Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Fairhope Hospice, 282 Sells Rd. Lancaster, OH 43130 or the First United Methodist Church Building Fund 163 E Wheeling St, Lancaster, OH 43130.

Calling Hours

4:00 PM - 7:00 PM ,Sunday, August 2, 2015
Frank E. Smith Funeral Home
405 N. Columbus St Lancaster, OH 43130

Funeral Service

1:00 PM ,Monday, August 3, 2015
Frank E. Smith Funeral Home Chapel
405 N. Columbus St. Lancaster, Ohio 43130