Thursday, June 1, 2017 8:39 am

Mary Ruth Paquette was born in Morganton, on January 21, 1940. She passed away on May 23, 2017.

Mary was the daughter of Herbert and Ruth Solesby, and sister of Laura Ann, Evelyn, and Donald, each of whom Mary is reuniting with in heaven.

Mary spent her youth in Morganton, before moving to Baltimore, Maryland with her sisters, where she had her four children: Tina and Jeff Weinberg (who preceded her in death); Sandy Weinberg of Eugene, Oregon; and Jerry Scheff of Baltimore, Maryland. Mary also leaves behind her two granddaughters, and cousin and close friend Barbara Childers.

Mary was a bartender at the American Legion in Severn, Maryland for over two decades. It was there where she met her beloved husband Oscar Paquette. Mary and Oscar moved back to her hometown of Morganton in 2000, where they married and started their life together.

Mary's hobbies included shopping for antiques at yard sales and thrift stores, gardening, and creating home improvement ideas, which she would help Oscar skillfully turn into reality. Mary was a strong-willed person, who worked hard to provide for her family, seemingly beyond her means. The love & care that she exhibited to her family made you feel very fortunate to have her in your life.

A memorial service was held at Crowe's Mortuary.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Rutherford County at www.hospiceofrutherford.org or by mailing your donation to P.O. Box 336 Forest City, NC 28043.

Crowe's Mortuary is assisting the family.