Mary Stewart Carpenter

Mary Stewart Carpenter passed away on July 25, 2026, at the age of 89. Born to the late Howard and Alma Stewart, Mary was the oldest of four children. Her childhood was spent in Solon, living on her family’s farm during her early years. She attended Michigan State University before transferring to Kent State University where she joined Alpha Chi Omega and earned a degree in Home Economics. After graduation, Mary worked for the Dairy Council and the East Ohio Gas Company. She met her great love, Neil Carpenter, at a young singles spaghetti dinner at the Church of the Savior in Cleveland Heights. They were married there the following year.

After moving from Cleveland Heights to Indianapolis, they returned to Ohio and settled in Akron to raise their two children. Mary applied her home economics background to create a loving and organized household as an extraordinary wife and mother. She meticulously planned family vacations and loved travelling and visiting historic mansions. Her eye for design led to a career as an interior decorator at My Friend and Me in Bath, where her passion for wallpaper enhanced many local homes. Mary also enjoyed gardening, bird watching, hosting family dinners, and discussions with her book club friends.

Mary was a Brownie Leader, a Sunday School teacher, and held numerous PTA leadership roles. She volunteered at her church and the F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm. In 1973 she discovered her calling as a guide at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens where she led tours on Tuesdays for over forty years. As an active member of the Women’s Board, she served as both chairman and treasurer of the Ohio Mart and spent countless October weekends working in the gingerbread tent with her Stan Hywet friends. She was later named an honorary Auxiliary Board member in recognition of her service.

Mary is survived by Neil, her devoted husband of nearly 65 years, her children Michael Carpenter (Wanda) of Williamsburg, VA, and Nancy Kennedy (Kevin) of Shaker Heights, her cherished grandchildren Matt (Lynette), Liz, Natalie, and James, and great-grandchildren Ellie, Lucy, and Joel. She also leaves behind her sisters Peggy Woodburn (Bill) and Joan Cox (Lance), her brother, Skip Stewart (Esther) and several nieces, nephews, and friends.

The family extends their gratitude to the caring staff at Northeast Ohio Hospice and Crown Center for their compassionate support in recent years. A Celebration of Life will be held on August 15, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Laurel Lake in Hudson, Ohio, followed by a private family internment. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mary’s name to Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens or the Salvation Army.

Arrangements entrusted to Adams Mason Funeral Home (330)535-9186