Mary Helen Masters; 1943-2014: Antiques appraiser helped run business

3/22/2014

Mary Helen Masters, 71, who with her late husband, Gerald, operated an estate liquidation and antiques appraisal business, died of pneumonia March 12 in Avow Hospice, Naples, Fla.

Mrs. Masters and her husband retired in 2002 from their business of 35 years, GMasters Sales, and moved from Wood County’s Washington Township to Marco Island, Fla. They’d formerly lived in Ottawa Hills.

Her husband, a teacher and eventually a principal in the Washington Local Schools, had a longtime interest in art and collectible glass and, over time, he came to know the pieces’ value. Their specialty became the liquidation of businesses and houses.

Her expertise was logistics and behind-the-scenes work. “My mom was more the business person, and my dad was more the creative up-front person who loved the artwork,” said their daughter, Caroline Masters.

Mrs. Masters was a member of the Mid-American Antique Appraisers’ Association.

Born Feb. 13, 1943, to Elizabeth and Henry Stoltenberg, she was a graduate of Ottawa Hills High School and Miami University. She was a classically trained pianist and a former board member of the American Association of University Women.

After they moved, the couple got involved in activities on Marco Island. They’d belonged to historical appreciation groups in the Toledo area; at Marco Island, she also put together the newsletter for the local historical society.

Mrs. Masters had been a longtime member of First Congregational Church on Collingwood Boulevard in Toledo. Most recently, she was active in United Church of Marco Island, where she was a member.

She and her husband were engaged on her birthday in 1966, and they married Aug. 6. He died Jan. 15.

Surviving are her daughter, Caroline; son, Jeffrey; brothers, Robert and Edward Stoltenberg, and five grandchildren.

Memorial services will be at 2 p.m. March 30 in United Church of Marco Island, Marco Island, Fla. The family suggests tributes to the Marco Island Historical Society; the United Church of Marco Island; First Congregational Church in Toledo, or Avow Hospice of Naples.

Contact Mark Zaborney at: mzaborney@theblade.com or 419-724-6182.