Elizabeth Jean "Betsy" Mahnen

Elizabeth Jean Mahnen, known affectionately as Betsy, aged 51, passed away at Hospice of Northwest Ohio, Ebeid Center in Sylvania after a brief stay, on her journey to reunite in eternal peace with her beloved parents under the grace of God almighty. Born on August 3, 1972, in Cleveland, Ohio, Betsy's life was marked by her diagnosis of Down Syndrome shortly after her birth. This condition proved to be both a personal challenge and a profound gift, enriching her life and the lives of those around her with unique perspectives and unconditional love. Betsy was a proud alumna of Blessed Sacrament Catholic School and Roy C. Start High School. She was a long-time member of The Most Blessed Sacrament Parish and could be seen regularly in her preferred seat at Sunday Mass. Betsy could be shy about trying new things but she did take to swimming at a young age and competed in the Special Olympics. Betsy's zest for life was evident in her many adventures, including a memorable trip across Europe with her mother and brother, as well as a cherished visit to Graceland in Tennessee with her sister and mother, fulfilling a dream for any dedicated Elvis Presley fan. A true sports enthusiast, Betsy reveled in the victories of her favorite teams—the Buckeyes, Browns, and Yankees. Her passion for music was just as intense, especially her love for country music and Elvis Presley. However, it was the lovable beagle, Snoopy, that captured her heart above all. Her bedroom was a sanctuary of Snoopy memorabilia. Betsy also expressed herself through her distinctive artwork, creating vibrant pen and marker abstractions and through photography, especially enjoying taking photos of Toledo landmarks. Her entrepreneurial spirit shone through her businesses, “Crea-Tees” and "Heavenly Blankets," where she designed t-shirts and crafted fleece blankets that celebrated her customers' favorite teams and hobbies, earning her a large and even international clientele. For most of her life, Betsy lived with her devoted mother in their family home. Each truly cared for and looked after one another. Following her mother’s passing, Betsy moved to a group home managed by Luther Home of Mercy, where she continued to receive love and support from her caregivers and housemates. The family is grateful to these and the multitude of educational, pastoral, medical, health care and service professionals who provided a lifetime of care to Betsy. Betsy was preceded in death by her parents, Mary K. (Stoll) Mahnen and John Frederick Mahnen. She leaves behind her loving sister, Martha (Robert) Hartman, and her brother, John Arthur Mahnen (Charlotte Onvlee), nephew, Rob Hartman (Carrie Wyatt), niece, Amy (Nick) Zoellner and great nephews, Camden and Mack Zoellner, along with countless friends and family members whose lives she touched deeply. Betsy's legacy of joy, resilience, and unconditional love will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew her. Her life reminds us all of the profound impact one individual can have by simply being themselves. Visitation will be held Tuesday, May 14 from 3-8pm at the Ansberg-West Funeral Home, 3000 Sylvania Avenue, with recitation of the rosary at 7pm. Her life will be celebrated at Mass of the Resurrection on Wednesday, May 15, 10:30am at Christ the King Church, 4100 Harvest Lane, where the family will receive friends after 9:30am. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Donations may be made to Heartbeat of Toledo or Hospice of Northwest Ohio in her memory.

Elizabeth Jean "Betsy" Mahnen

August 3, 1972 - May 7, 2024