Mary Evelyn Hathaway, 89, of Defiance, passed away Saturday July 1, 2023 at The Laurels of Defiance. She was born on November 29, 1933 to Elbert and Edna (Hanna) Ebersole in Defiance County, Ohio. She earned her Bachelor's Degree at Anderson University in Anderson Indiana and her Master's Degree at the University of St. Francis in Ft. Wayne, Indiana.  Mary was an active member of the Eastern Stars and a Past Grand Chaplin of Ohio. She was also a member of the Defiance County Teachers Association.  Mary was a teacher at Central Local Schools for 30 years retiring in 1989. Mary is survived by her sisters, Elberta Hadley of Lebanon, Ohio, Betty (Terry) Penner of Defiance, four nephews and two nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents, son Lonnie Hathaway, and a brother in infancy. Visitation will be held Friday July 7, 2023 from 11:00 am till 1:00 pm at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance, where Funeral Services will follow at 1:00 pm with Rev. Tom Penner officiating.  Burial will follow in Evansport Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Lifewise - Fairview, or to a charity of the donor's choice.