Mary Patricia (MP) Master, 73, passed away on June 17, 2026, at home with her family. She was born on September 28, 1952, in Cincinnati, Ohio to the late Bob and Betty O’Brien. At 18 years old, MP forged her own path and traveled to Europe with friends where she lived in Switzerland slicing ham and serving beer to support her travels. When she would return to Cincinnati, she’d attend college and ultimately graduate from Xavier University.
She married Doug Master on February 20, 1982, in Cincinnati. MP worked at Burke Marketing Research before shifting gears to be a stay-at-home mom for her children, Brien (42) and Alyson (40). She volunteered taking photos, creating yearbooks, and more at Saint Mary School in Hyde Park throughout the decade her kids were in attendance.
The most dynamic of duos, MP and Doug built a successful recycling center in Oakley (Master Recycling) and later Master Pieces Antiques. All while also saving and restoring historic homes around the east side of Cincinnati.
MP enjoyed Shirley Temple’s films, gardening, Earth Wind & Fire and Johnny Mathis, the pool, Rush Limbaugh, romcom movies, her fur-grandchildren, and antiques. But more than anything she loved her family – immediate, extended, and adopted. She adored children and became a fairy grandmother of sorts to so many lucky kids.
Mary Pat is survived by husband Doug, son Brien Master (Ann Williamson), daughter Alyson Pitman (Stephen), twin sister Ann Vargo (David), younger brother Tom O’Brien, and sister-in-law CiCi Grant (Peter). She was preceded in death by sisters Karen Raymond, Lois Mosteller (Rocky), and Julia “Dooz” Everett.
She lived a life full of adventure, love, generosity, and laughter. Her convivial nature left an indelible and inspiring mark on everyone she encountered.
The Celebration of Life for Mary Pat will be on Friday, July 3, 2026, at the Carnegie Center of Columbia Tusculum, 3738 Eastern Avenue Cincinnati, Ohio 45226. 12:30 ceremony with reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, those who would like to honor MP’s memory may consider a donation to Breakthrough T1D (formerly the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation). Because two of her sisters were diagnosed with juvenile diabetes at a young age, this cause held special meaning for her and remained close to her heart throughout her life.
Breakthrough T1D – Donation in Memory of MP Master
The Celebration of Life for Mary Pat will be on Friday, July 3, 2026, at the Carnegie Center of Columbia Tusculum, 3738 Eastern Avenue Cincinnati, Ohio 45226. 12:30 ceremony with reception to follow.
Condolences(9)-
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Sue pitman says
June 20, 2026 at 7:10 pmWonderful, beautiful soul. We love you and you will be missed. God Bless you and condolences to the family. RIP MP
Cindy McCarthy says
June 21, 2026 at 1:28 pmDoug…I am so saddened to see this. What a huge loss MP will be for your family. Tim and I have such fond memories of our years on Observatory Ave. together. She always brought such life to our lives. I can only imagine how much you will miss her. You and your family will be in our thoughts and hearts.
Cindy
Timothy X Wilkins says
June 28, 2026 at 9:23 pmMy sincerest condolences to all of Mary Pat’s family ❤️
May she be in the Arms of Angels!!
Love and prayers…
Patti Norton says
June 21, 2026 at 6:19 pmI didn’t hear about Mary Pat’s illness until shortly before she died. We were friends for a long time & lost touch. I was so saddened to not reconnect before she died. I enjoyed many years of fun & adventure with Mary Pat. We shared a love of old houses & it’s not surprising that she would start an antiques business. My heart goes out to Doug, Brien, Alyson, Annie, Dave, & Tom. I know you will all miss her very much! Patti Ries Norton
Timothy X Wilkins says
June 28, 2026 at 9:23 pmMy sincerest condolences to all of Mary Pat’s family ❤️
May she be in the Arms of Angels!!
Love and prayers…
Nicole says
June 22, 2026 at 4:48 pmMary Pat was my sunshine during treatment. My heartfelt condolences to her family and friends. What a bright light she was.
Martha Piepmeyer Hamburg says
June 27, 2026 at 4:42 pmMP has always been in my heart and soul.
The VERY BEST person ever!
Kind-funny-faithful-Extremely knowledgeable-loving.
The 2 of us hacking along thru Switzerland and Ireland-Could it ever be better?
I am so happy for her to be in heaven with her sisters and parents.
As I send this – which is not saying enough – MP will be and is always with me…
Lynn Kist says
July 2, 2026 at 8:53 pmMP was my very first new at Marian High School! I have been blessed to have this amazing lady in my life for over 50 years. MP and Ann brought me into their family. Where I enjoyed not only their friendship but Betty and Bob and all the sisters and Tom!
MP was such a joy and living let, doing many of the things others would never have dared in the late 60 and 70’s. Her spirit was amazing and lit a room. She was always think of others. We were in tough lots lately, MP being worried about my Billy as she always called him. Even as sick as she was she send love and prayers for Bill and me. I will miss my dear friend but find peace knowing she is free and enjoying the rewards a a life welled lived. “God Speed, you good and faithful servant!”
Lynn Hofstetter Kist
Robbi Ortman says
July 3, 2026 at 7:29 pm((((HUGS)))) PRAYERS!! Peace and Comfort & Healing of broken hearts. The Holy Spirit kind 🙂 LOVE to all!
R & S
In lieu of flowers, those who would like to honor MP's memory may consider a donation to Breakthrough T1D (formerly the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation). Because two of her sisters were diagnosed with juvenile diabetes at a young age, this cause held special meaning for her and remained close to her heart throughout her life.
Breakthrough T1D - Donation in Memory of MP Master
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