Mary Agnes Nocera Range

Mary Agnes Nocera Range, 95, passed into the loving arms of our Lord on April 25, 2014. She and her beloved husband, W.L. "Pete" Range, longtime residents of Dover, raised three sons, Tom (Karen), Jerry (Jean) and Jim (Peg). She was intensely proud of her boys and loved greatly each of their wives.

Mary graduated from the prestigious Academy High School in Erie, Pennsylvania in 1936. She was editor of the school's yearbook. Unfortunately, she lacked funds to go to college after high school. It was this fact that eventually became a driving force for her dream, that all three of her sons would attend college and obtain degrees. That dream ultimately became reality.

Mary was extremely active in community affairs. She was a member of the committee that was instrumental in convincing Catholic authorities in Columbus to merge the former Dover St. Joseph and Dennison St. Mary High Schools into what became Tuscarawas Central Catholic High School in 1970. She was a faithful member of Dover St. Joseph Catholic Church, its Christian Mothers organization and the Regina Study Club. Honoring a favorite aunt, she was an officer in the local chapter of the LCBA (Loyal Christian Benevolent Association).

Mary worked eleven years as a library assistant at the Dover Public Library. She was an avid bridge player. She was also a first-class baker during the holidays: her butterballs were the favorite of many at Christmas. To satisfy a life-long wanderlust, she traveled with Pete throughout much of the United States including Hawaii, Canada, the Caribbean and Europe.

Mary was deeply loved by her eleven grandchildren, Debra Range-Casto (Michael), Tom II (Jamee), Christie Smith (Michael); Mickie, Jerry Jr. (Karen), Mary Rose Smolak (Michael), Chris (Kelly), Peter, Patrick (Jackie); Erin Watson (Seth), Ryan (April) and 16 great-grandchildren. She was also blessed with many devoted friends in Erie, Dover and from extended winter stays at Flagler Beach, Florida.

In addition to Pete who died in September 1996, Mary was also preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Maude Sullivan Nocera and a brother, Gerard, in childhood.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, May 10 at 11:00 am in the St. Joseph Catholic Church with Fr. Jimmy Hatfield officiating. Mary will be buried beside Pete in the Calvary Cemetery at Dover. Friends can call in the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home and Crematory at Dover on Friday from 6-8 pm with Christian Wake services starting at 7:45. Those wishing to express their fondest memories of Mary may do so by visiting the online obituaries and flowers link on the funeral homes website.
Memorial contributions may be made to Community Hospice.