Mary Kay Jaeger

It is with an aching heart to share the passing of my beloved Mary Kay. No words, actions of any sort will replace my feelings of love we have for each other. Mary Kay is now with the Lord in Heaven and waiting patiently for us to join her in The "Book of Life" for all who have received eternal life through faith in God. "She is at peace with God".

Mary Kay Herold Jaeger, a wonderful wife of 35 years to John W. Jaeger, tragically died on October 7th. Mary Kay Jaeger was private and strong-willed, living out her final journey with dignity and grace and battled bravely against a rapid unexpected cancer at home with family and friends.

Mary Kay was born March 30th to Jerry and Sharon Herold in Cleveland, Ohio. She is survived by her adoring and faithful husband John W. Jaeger of Hudson, Ohio; parents: Jerry Herold of Hudson and Sharon McNally Herold of Stow, OH; Siblings: Michael Herold (Julia DeLamater) of Kent, OH (daughter Kimberly (Adam) Morriss of AK); Stephen Herold (wife, Wen; children Alex and Brianna) of Savannah, GA; Nora Harold Giorgi (children, Michalle, Enzo and Marcello) of Hudson, OH; Nora McNally (Fred) Puglia (Aunt) of Cary, NC. She is survived by a supportive extended family: Ann K. Jaeger, Julie J. Messler (Allan) of Guilford CT; Jerri Kay J. Nall (Dennis) of Russel, Ohio; Jacquelyne (Chris, niece: Isabella) DeLury ;Nicholas Tomaselli (Joan) of Chardon, OH (nieces: Molly & Rory), OH; Carl M. Jaeger Sebastian, FL; Jessica J. Comey Wilms (Brett, nephews: Conrad & Ezra) of Brecksville, OH. She is predeceased by her admiring in-laws Jerry K. Jaeger of Aurora, OH and Susan W. Jaeger of Vero Beach, Fl.

Mary Kay was especially close with her Aunt/Godmother Nora McNally Puglia of Cary, NC and proud of her Godchildren; Ashley Puglia (John) Noronha, Rome, Italy; Kelly Robinson Roumfort (Jared) of Tallmadge, OH; Gianna Roumfort (second generation God-child to Mary Kay the magnificent longtime friends Kerry and Rob Robinson’s grand-daughter).

As a young girl she attended St. Joseph, Elementary School in Randolph, Ohio. Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto held a consistent beautiful memory for Mary Kay and guided her lifelong service to family, the practice of forgiveness, and dignity to those in need. She graduated from Hudson High School in 1982. Mary Kay was a longtime resident of Hudson, Ohio for 51 of her short 62 years of life.

Mary Kay received her Division of Vocational Education Adult Certification as a Medical Assistant June 1983. She dedicated her time to helping elderly in the health field. She became a private in-house health care assistant to many lucky families and friends in her gratifying career. Her compassionate nature extended beyond her eldercare occupation and into her personal life. Mary Kay was admired for her beauty & grace modeled for John Robert Powers Agency. Then, won Miss Akron Agora with her gorgeous dark eyes and luscious hair, fantastic bright smile and memorable legs.

In 2008 Mary Kay joined Danta Products where she worked for 16 years with a great group of friends. Mary Kay retired from Danta Products in 2024. Retirement enabled Mary Kay to develop more creative culinary skills. She especially loved baking and experimenting with many keto recipes. Mary Kay was known for her abundant “Martha Stewart like hospitality” when she often opened her heart and home to many friends and family, hosting birthday celebrations, holidays with her anticipated prized “Pretzel Fluff” for all occasions. Mary Kay, the “Party Girl” was always ready to dress up and host a party, wedding, shower or a high school reunion at her magical home. As a “Party Girl”, Mary Kay was always ready to dress for fun. Mary Kay had the ability to dress up or down to make any occasion special. She was most content when she was by her husband’s side whether traveling, camping, relaxing or working. They were a team and often reminded all that “they were on the same page”. They were especially fond of camping at Silver Springs Campground with their Siberian Husky, Prancer. But most of all she was happiest with her husband by her side and their dog Prancer on her lap.

Mary Kay was known for her beauty, kind smile and her ability to make anyone feel like a friend with her enduring compassion. She had a great sense of humor and was an amazing listener. The world has lost one of its great hearts.

Mary Kay had a passion for the beach and travel. Her most memorable trips were honeymooning in Hawaii and visiting Uncle Richard on the islands of Maui and Kauai, Hawaii. As a couple they had several sensational opportunities to return to HAWAII. Her favorite status was a fun wife and inspiring spouse that made any travel with her husband a memorable event. She loved packing and planning for all trips, carefully labeling her specialty bags.

She was a proud spelling bee contest winner and a gentle opportunist to correct spelling of others. Mary Kay loved magazines, the competition of word puzzles, Wheel of Fortune, baking, making Jell-O shots, recipe planning, camping, dancing, live music, art, fashion and beauty. The 70’s and 80’s music were her favorite tunes to see Mary Kay rocking out to. She adored Michael Stanley, White Snake, Red Hot Chili Peppers and any other band with a great beat. She and John closed Captain Nick’s, BI,RI when she danced all night to a Rolling Stones tribute band. Pulling the slot machines, Scratch-Offs and playing Keno were guilty pleasures. Planning and prepping for the annual “Rock Girls” friends trip was a highlight for Mary Kay each year. She looked forward to fashioning each crazy “Rock Girls” theme, costume, foods, appetizer with anticipated antique hollow stem champagne glasses with Jello-Shots. She had a love of beauty which she brought into her home through her home décor and her joyous holiday celebrations. She also had a true love of nostalgia; collecting vintage: champagne flutes; colorful jewelry & designer clothes; redesigning t-shirts; watching classic TV shows; The Bachelorette series. She was fun and witty, enjoying the best chocolate to the very end.

Mary Kay passed away gracefully and in peace on October 7th, 2025, in her home with her husband holding her right hand, then surrounded by her loving family, friends and with a timely blessing by Rev. Scott Swinerton from St. Mary's Church of Hudson, Ohio.

Mary Kay a perfectly loyal and loving wife, determined daughter, grandest giving Godmother, faithful sister, entertaining aunt and friend to all. We will all miss and remember her forever.

She was loved by many and a friend to everyone. I am heartbroken that she is gone.

Mary Kay’s celebration of life will be held Spring 2026. Date to be determined as her illness was short and her loss in my life is immense.

In memory of Mary Kay Memorial Donations may be made to / in Lieu of flowers to: One of a Kind Pet Rescue Akron Ohio MAKE A DIFFERENCE | One of a Kind Pet Rescue