Ellen Jane Bires

Ellen Jane Bires, age 94, of Toledo, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 22, 2024 at Hospice of Northwest Ohio’s Toledo Campus, surrounded by her loving family.  She was born on December 15, 1929, in Toledo to John and Helen (Meehan) Ley.  After graduating from Notre Dame Academy, Ellen received her Bachelor of Arts in Education from Mary Manse College and Master of Education from The University of Toledo.  She was a highly educated artist, who taught in Washington Local School District for 28 years, 20 of which were at McGregor Elementary.  Ellen enjoyed sharing her artwork with the community and has a painting on permanent display in the Bedford Library.  She was a member of Toledo Artist Club, Spectrum Art Club, and Bedford Art Club.  Ellen was a member of St. Clement Catholic Church for 55 years where she was active in various church ministries.  She was also a distinguished member of the Red Hat Society.  Ellen was married to the love of her life, John “Jack” Bires for 1 month shy of 69 years.  She took pleasure in camping with Jack and finding a quiet moment to knit or crochet.  Ellen was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, who will be dearly missed.

Ellen is survived by her children, Helen (Ron) Zent, Mary (Barry) Roberts, John A. Bires, and Patrick “Mike” (Vicki) Bires; 8 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Margaret Harber.  She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jack Bires; 2 sisters; brothers-in-law, William Harber & Karl (Sandy) Bires; and grandson, Michael Bires.

Visitation will be Thursday, May 2, from 4-8 p.m. in Sujkowski Funeral Home Northpointe, 114 E. Alexis Rd., with a rosary at 7 p.m.  The Funeral Mass will begin Friday, May 3, at 11 a.m. preceded by a visitation from 10-11 a.m. in St. Clement Catholic Church.  Interment will follow in Resurrection Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Hospice of Northwest Ohio or St. Clement Church.  Condolences can be shared at www.sujkowski.com.

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