Mary Carole DeSosta Way

Mary Carole DeSostoa Way, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, teacher and friend, died peacefully June 28, 2025.

Preceded in death by her daughter Nicole Marie, son-in-law Brandon Starkoff and sister Delores Carmen Westerfield, Mary is survived by her husband of 54 years, Chad and daughters Amy Starkoff and Kari (Michael) Steltenpohl, honorary daughter Shea ("the other Way") Lawrence, beloved grandchildren Nan and Matthew Starkoff and Lilly and Lucy Steltenpohl, brother Vincent (Linda) DeSostoa, and nephew James (Stephanie) Westerfield.

Mary was a lauded teacher, a wonderful cook and baker-her specialty was desserts- and an irreplaceable friend. Her greatest joy, aside from her family, was education. A lover of animals and learning, Mary graduated with a degree in Biology from Edgecliff College in Cincinnati, and obtained her Masters in Education from Xavier University. She spent her teaching years in Cincinnati Public Schools and Forest Hills School District where she was the Chairperson of the Science Department, and could often be found with various exotic animals in her classrooms. Her students described her as their favorite teacher, who made learning science easier and fun. Mary cherished her students and was immensely proud that many went on to major in science related fields due to her influence.

Growing up in Michigan, Mary loved visits to the family cabin at Lake Orion and fishing with her Dad at Bunny Run. She played tennis and golf, and proudly scored a hole in one at California Golf Club. Family vacations spent camping in the Western U.S. were cherished times, and she was an advanced certified SCUBA diver and loved exploring reefs in Florida, the Caribbean and Hawaii. She was privileged to be able to visit Europe, Alaska and Hawaii as well as cruise the Caribbean with her family.

Mary was a selfless person, always thinking of what she could do for others, and especially doted on her grandchildren. She was a bright light in the world and will be greatly missed and loved forever. It should be noted that Mary was immensely love by Her dogs; Guinness, Brandy and especially Charlie the Chihuahua, who held vigil and stayed by Mary’s side day and night while at home and during Hospice Care!

Private interment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family requests a donation to the Multiple Sclerosis Society in remembrance of her late daughter, or the American Cancer Society.