Westerville Obituarties - July 12, 2026
Sylvia M. McBride
1947 – July 1, 2026
Sylvia M. McBride, 78, of Westerville, Ohio, passed away July 1, 2026, after a brief battle with ALS.
Formerly of New Washington, Ohio, Sylvia graduated from Buckeye Central High School in 1965. She worked for many years at Swan Hose before moving to the Columbus area, where she was employed by several clothing retailers and retired earlier this year from Kohl’s Department Store.
Sylvia was an active member of St. Josephine Bakhita Parish after joining St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in 1985. She volunteered in numerous parish ministries over the years.
She enjoyed road trips, trying new restaurants, sharing coffee with friends, and meaningful conversations with those she loved. Above all, Sylvia treasured time with her grandchildren, who were the center of her life.
She will be remembered for her faith, generosity, and devotion to family.
Thomas Robert Kinney
September 18, 1935 – January 25, 2026
Thomas Robert Kinney, 90, of Westerville, Ohio, passed away Jan. 25, 2026. He was born in Dayton to Thomas J. Kinney and Margaret L. Rine Kinney.
A graduate of Stivers High School and a United States Army veteran, Tom built a long career in the production printing industry, including many years with Xerox as a film stripper.
He married Judith C. Willard in 1970. She preceded him in death. He is survived by his daughter, Maggie Schooler and Andrew Schooler; grandson Samuel Schooler and Rae Schooler; son Robert Kinney and Diana Kinney; stepdaughter Melissa Hawley; grandchildren Terri Nisbet and Matt Nisbet, and Sean Kinney; great-grandchild Allie Nisbet; brother Timothy Kinney and Darlene Kinney; and many nieces and nephews who knew him as “Uncle Ralph.”
He was also preceded in death by his sister, Rita Boesenberg, and Louis Boesenberg.
Maureen “Molly” McQuade Wolfrom
January 14, 1955 – July 1, 2026
Maureen “Molly” McQuade Wolfrom, 71, of Westerville, Ohio, passed away peacefully July 1, 2026, with her daughters by her side after a 3½-year battle with ovarian cancer. She was born in Columbus to Robert and Mary Jayne McQuade.
Molly graduated from Bishop Watterson High School in 1973 and earned a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Ohio University in 1977. While at Ohio University, she met David “Wolfie” Wolfrom. They shared more than 40 years of marriage before his death.
She taught at Ourday Preschool, where former students remember her ability to make learning fun and memorable. Friends and neighbors knew her for her humor, contagious laughter, daily walks with her basset hound, Hazel, and time spent working in her yard.
She is survived by her daughters Heidi Winkler and Scott Winkler, and Amy Burghes and Evan Burghes; grandchildren Audrey Winkler, Blake Burghes, and Austin Burghes; siblings Colleen Woodruff, Mike McQuade and Denise McQuade, and Patrick “Tink” McQuade and Joanie McQuade; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, friends, and former students.
She was preceded in death by her husband, David Wolfrom; her parents; and brother-in-law Keith “Woody” Woodruff.
A Mass and celebration of life will be held in late September or early October, with details to be announced.
Kathryn LaVerne (Hughes) Briggs
December 12, 1932 – July 4, 2026
Kathryn LaVerne Briggs, 93, of Cumming, Georgia, and formerly of Westerville, Ohio, passed away July 4, 2026.
She graduated from Somerset High School and Capital University. Kathryn taught for three years in the Westerville Public School System before leaving the classroom to raise her children. She later worked for auctioneers and as an administrative assistant in several offices.
In later years, Kathryn volunteered at Church of the Messiah. After moving to Georgia, she continued watching the church’s services from home.
She enjoyed crossword puzzles, the Game Show Network, puzzles and games, reading, Chick-fil-A frosted coffees, and, most of all, time with family.
Here is the newsletter version:
Susan Manfrey Long Baker
May 29, 1947 – July 8, 2026
Susan Manfrey Long Baker, formerly of Westerville, Ohio, passed away peacefully July 8, 2026. She was born in Atlanta, Georgia, and survived a premature birth that required her to spend her first three months in an incubator.
Susan attended Druid Hills High School and earned early admission to Oxford College of Emory University. She later studied at the Sorbonne in Paris and graduated from LaGrange College in 1969 with a bachelor’s degree in French. She continued graduate studies in early childhood education at Georgia State University and The Ohio State University.
She first taught high school French, later left the classroom to raise her family, and eventually returned to teaching as a kindergarten teacher until retirement. A lifelong United Methodist, Susan remained active in church, music, drama, youth programs, and community service.
Susan married Robert “Bob” Shannon Baker Jr. on July 19, 1969, after meeting while both served as attendants in a wedding. During their 50 years together, Bob’s career took the family from Atlanta to Florida, South Carolina, New Orleans, and Columbus.
Susan was known for creating welcoming homes, lasting friendships, and memorable gatherings wherever she lived. She especially enjoyed baking cheese cookies for family, friends, and neighbors.
Above all, Susan treasured her family and took great pride in celebrating the lives and accomplishments of her children and grandchildren.
The Westerville News is a reader-supported publication by Gary Gardiner, a lifelong journalist who believes hyper-local reporting is the future of news. This publication focuses exclusively on Westerville—its local news, its influence on Central Ohio, and how surrounding areas shape the community.
