Mary (Hendrix) Gaffin

Mary Gaffin, 90, of Manchester, Ohio, passed away Friday, February 20, 2026, at Meadowview
Regional Hospital. She was born on August 12, 1935, in Dayton, the daughter of the late C.D. and
Lucille Hamilton Hendrix. She was the widow of the late Allen Gaffin, who passed away in 1996. In
addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Brian Gaffin, and a
sister-in-law, Ina Hendrix.

Mary was fiercely independent and always on the go. Her family often had trouble keeping up with
her. A lover of theatre, she could often be found at the Aronoff Center or Cincinnati Playhouse in the
Park, where she was a proud season ticket holder. She found great joy in traveling and did so often,
having traveled throughout the U.S. and all over Europe. For her 90th birthday she realized a life-
long dream by celebrating her birthday in Paris, France with her family. She was a deeply active and
devoted member of the Nathaniel Massie Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star in Manchester, as
well as a member of the Red Hat Society, where she made many treasured friendships. Mary was a
staunch believer in the power of a good book; and imbued countless lives with a love of reading
through her work as the librarian at Manchester High School and Adams County Public Library. She
did so tirelessly until 2024, when she finally retired–but certainly did not slow down–at the age of 88.
Above all, Mary cherished spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, taking
them on shopping excursions wherever they wanted to go. She loved teaching them to bake cookies
and yeast rolls or reading them their favorite book. She created memories that will be held close for
generations. Mary had a gift for making others feel special and it was impossible not to be drawn to
her. Her honesty, generosity, humor, and humility were key parts of her character. For those who
knew her well: she will forever hold a special place in their hearts. 

She is survived by her children, Alana (Richard) Cropper and Edward (Janet) Gaffin; daughter-in-
law, Florence Gaffin; grandchildren, Alexandra (Lance), Devin (Katheyrine), Matthew (Rachael),
Nicholas, Jessica, Kathryn (Kyle), Alexander, and Madelyn; great-grandchildren, Hannah, Scarlett,
Landen, Logan, and Shelby; siblings, Jack Hendrix, Linda (Bret) Hoover, and Mark (Carol) Hendrix;
as well as several nephews and a special niece, Chrissy Hendrix.

The family held private graveside services at Manchester Cemetery on Wednesday February 25.
Arrangements were entrusted to Wilson Funeral Home in Manchester. A public Celebration of Life is
scheduled for April 12, 2026, 2:00-4:00 PM at Wrightsville Church, 78 Ohio 247, Wrightsville, OH
45144. Mary specifically requested no black attire so please wear your brightest pastels for the
spring season.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Ohio Eastern Star Home, 1451 Gambier Rd.,
Mt. Vernon, OH 43050, or to Wrightsville Church, 838 Sunnyview Dr., Manchester, OH 45144.

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