1/4/1932 – 12/11/2021
Mary M. (Konwinski) Hausman, pioneer for women in the construction business, wife, master of all tools, household repair and gardening, died on December 11, 2021, just a few weeks short of her 90th birthday.
Born January 4, 1932, to Carl and Helen Konwinski, Mary attended St. Hyacinth and Central Catholic High School. As a young girl, Mary was interested in tools and handy jobs around the house. Beginning her career after high school in her favorite hardware store, Mary enrolled in building construction classes that offered the chance to learn drafting, a skill girls couldn’t study in school. She loved everything about her classes at The University of Toledo, and, half way through the certification program, she began an entry level drafting job at Hausman Steel Company, where her exceptional ability eventually took her to the District Manager position. Highly respected in a male-dominated field, Mary earned a reputation as fair, honest and competent.
In 1972, Mary married Fred (Frederick I.) Hausman, who had left Hausman Steel in 1967 when it was acquired by Penn-Dixie Cement. A second marriage for both, it proved to be a loving and long-lasting relationship. Mary and Fred shared 31 years in their home on Nantucket Dr. surrounded by beautiful gardens, which they designed and tended themselves. Mementos from their travels throughout the United States and Canada, an impressive stereo system wired by Mary, and all kinds of books and music (especially classical) filled their home. They enjoyed the company of family, good neighbors, friends and their beloved dogs, Champ, Simon, and Casey. Mary is remembered for her modesty and matter-of-fact attitude regarding her accomplishments and a quiet, impish sense of humor.
Preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Helen (Markowiak) Konwinski; brother, Norbert (Corky) and sister-in-law, Betty Konwin; niece, Pamela S. (Konwin) Rumpf; and son-in-law, Steven A. Alexander. Mary is survived by great-nephew, Christopher Rumpf; stepdaughters, Nancy M. (Steven A. Alexander) Hausman and Louise K. (George E. Wright) Hausman; grandchildren, Jacob I. (Julia Burns) Alexander and Nina A. Alexander; great-grandchildren, Roan Alexander and Ava Alexander. Left to cherish Mary’s memories are her cousins, Marlene (Fred) Farris, Patricia (Larry) Worobec, George (Jeanne) Uscilowski, Linda Orczehowski, and Annette (Dave) Ringle. Rest in Peace Mary.
A family memorial service is planned for the spring. Remembrances may be made to Toledo Lucas County Public Library, Library Legacy Foundation, 325 Michigan St., Toledo, Ohio 43604 www.toledolibrary.org/llf and Ashanti Hospice, 4020 Indian Rd., Suite A, Toledo, Ohio 43606 https://otterbein.org/donate/#donate.
Published by The Blade on Jan. 2, 2022.