Amy H. Mast

Amy H. (nee Corwin) Mast
5/10/1936 - 6/13/2021 Amy passed quietly, attended to by family, in the early hours of June 13th, 2021, after a prolonged illness. Her struggle is over.

Amy was born Amy Harriet Corwin to mother Nellie Ross Corwin, and father Harry Whitacre Corwin. The Corwin family were among the very first Europeans to permanently settle in North America, having landed at the Salem Colony in 1629. The family was scattered after the Revolutionary War, ending up in Southwest Ohio, by way of Western Pennsylvania, and Bourbon County Kentucky. Amy’s early life experience was begun in New Richmond, Ohio, but then included a stint in Montana, following father Harry in his quest for work. Life was rustic, but the surroundings majestic. That time left a lasting impression on Amy, infusing a love of the West and the mountains into her that remained with her for the rest of her life.

She shared that experience with her siblings. Fritz (Alfreda), Nellie’s oldest daughter from a previous marriage, Hazel, Bill (Robert Poe) the oldest son and Amy's protector, and Barry (Larry) the baby of the family. School was attended together in a one room schoolhouse, and home was a small cabin on the ranch that employed Harry.

After returning to New Richmond, life became a bit more midwestern typical, and found Amy, a cheerleader at New Richmond High, meeting Bill (William Frederick Mast Jr.), son of German immigrants Wilhelm Friedrich Mast and Hertha Blazek Mast, who was a pitcher for Anderson High. Soon afterward came marriage, followed by Bill (William Frederick Mast III), then Larry Dean, Kathy (Kathryn Sue), Steve (Steven Jay), Kim Kimberly Ann), and Theresa Lynn in fairly quick succession. All of the kids can recall the sounds of Amy and her sister Hazel, possibly Harry, or Nellie, or Fritz depending on the day, downstairs in the kitchen, visiting early in the morning. Cigarettes and coffee. Family was central, from beginning to end.

Possibly Amy’s greatest achievement was managing the household of such a large and active family. The Mast home in Batavia was a center of neighborhood activity, and a safe haven for children from all over town. Amy’s drill sergeant demeanor was underscored by her tender motherly instincts that extended well beyond her immediate family, and encompassed kids and adults alike. Many looked to Amy for strength and guidance.
With her husband Bill, she encouraged a love of adventure, and a reverence for nature. Swimming, trampolining, bicycling, motorcycling, camping, and traveling, all were a part of the regular program.
With the support of her husband Bill, and informed by her deep love of children, in particular the grandchildren that were beginning to appear, she ventured into the retail toy world and created Laugh and Learn Toys. She was able to champion toys that educated as well as entertained and was able to provide employment for many in the family.

Later in life, she enjoyed nothing more than spending time with kids, grandkids, and eventually great grandkids, all of which will be listed below. Corwin family legend tells the tale of Abraham Lincoln, saying “God must love the Corwins, there are so many of them.”
In her later years, she settled into life with her husband Bill, in retirement from his lifelong Job at Metcut Research. They enjoyed the beautiful home that his retirement provided and hosted regular Sunday and holiday family gatherings where anyone might make an appearance, and all were welcome.
It was in this home, that she was able to shelter during her last years of declining health. With the heroic support of Her husband Bill, along with the tireless efforts of the entire family, all generations, she was able to pass peacefully at the end, at home. Possibly the most enduring memory is her lack of complaint, and her endurance of so much discomfort. Not one family member will forget her standard answer, even at the worst of times. “How are you doing Amy?”
“I’m fine.” And here at the end, finally, Amy is past her trials. Amy is fine.

Progeny:

Children: late Bill (William F Mast II (Susan), Larry Mast, Kathy Kopp, Steven Mast (Karen), Kim Hall, Theresa Courtey

Grandchildren: Ryan Mast (Samantha), Sandy Howe (Dustin), Brandon Mast (Isabel), Kyle Mast (Tachele), Nichole Mast, Amanda Mast, Camilla Hinsch, Angela Schubert, Brennan Hall, Kenzie Hopper (Tyler), Cassie Wolf (Rick) Stephane Courtey (fiancé Samantha Harton)

Great Grandchildren: Lauren, Audrey, Alex, Whitley, Paxton, Lucy, Isreal, Malia, Kyleeann, Dylan, Brooklyn, Ella, Violet, Ricky, Keagan

Mass of Christian Burial will be at Our Lord Christ the King Church, Mt. Lookout, on Sat. June 26 at 10AM. Friends may visit at the Church on Sat. from 9-10AM.

If desired, memorials may be directed to Hospice of Cincinnati.