It is with deep sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Judge Mary Jane Trapp, a trailblazer in Ohio’s legal community and a beloved figure among colleagues, friends, and the many individuals she inspired throughout her extraordinary life. Judge Trapp passed away suddenly in April 2025, leaving behind a profound legacy of justice, leadership, service, and mentorship.
Judge Mary Jane Trapp’s legal career spanned more than four decades, a period during which she shaped the course of Ohio law and became a guiding light in the judiciary. She first served on the Ohio Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Appellate District from 2007 to 2013. After a brief departure, she returned to the bench in February 2019, demonstrating her enduring passion for the law and her unwavering commitment to public service. Judge Trapp continued her work on the bench until her retirement in early 2025, only a few short months before her untimely passing.
SUPPORT THE FAMILY - GOD BLESS YOU
Throughout her career, Judge Trapp was more than a jurist—she was a leader. She held key leadership roles as Administrative Judge and as Presiding/Administrative Judge for the Eleventh District. Her leadership was defined not only by her sharp intellect and fairness but also by her tireless devotion to improving the legal system for both practitioners and the people it serves. Her decisions reflected a deep understanding of the law, compassion for individuals, and a profound belief in the power of justice.
Judge Trapp’s influence extended well beyond the courtroom. She served on nine different commissions, committees, and task forces for the Supreme Court of Ohio, helping shape policies that would guide future generations of legal professionals. Her contributions to legal education, reform, and professional ethics were invaluable. She was a vital member of the Ohio Judicial Conference and its College committees, and she co-chaired the Ohio Jury Instructions Board of Editors, leaving a lasting impact on the practice of appellate law and procedure.
Mary Jane Trapp Ohio Obituary: Retired Judge at Ohio Court of Appeals is Dead
A woman of immense intellect and unwavering dedication, Judge Trapp received numerous honors throughout her life. Among her many accolades was the Ohio State Bar Association’s highest recognition, the prestigious Ohio Bar Medal, awarded to her in 2021. This honor reflected her lifetime of unselfish dedication and leadership within the legal profession. She was also the recipient of the Ohio Women’s Bar Association Founder’s Award, the Ohio Legal Assistance Foundation’s Presidential Award for Pro Bono Service, and the Southeast Ohio Food Bank Community Service Award—each a testament to her character, generosity, and commitment to both justice and humanity.
Judge Trapp’s influence was not limited to the legal arena. She was a devoted educator, mentor, and author who worked tirelessly to guide and uplift the next generation of lawyers and judges. Through lectures, publications, and regular media contributions, she shared her expansive knowledge, helping others navigate the complexities of the law with clarity, passion, and purpose. Her role as a mentor was particularly cherished by those fortunate enough to have been under her wing, and many credit their own success to her wise counsel and unwavering support.
To her friends and colleagues, Judge Trapp was more than a legal titan—she was a trusted confidant, a compassionate listener, and a steadfast advocate. She approached every relationship with kindness, respect, and authenticity. Her warmth, wit, and sharp sense of humor were the hallmarks of a personality that could command a courtroom and, just as easily, light up a room.
Judge Trapp was equally committed to her community outside of the courtroom. Her volunteer work and advocacy for pro bono legal services demonstrated her belief that the law should serve all people, regardless of their circumstances. She embodied the highest ideals of public service, believing deeply that true justice must be accessible and fair to everyone.
The news of Judge Mary Jane Trapp’s passing has sent ripples through the Ohio legal community and beyond. Her loss is felt deeply by those who worked beside her, who learned from her, and who were inspired by her example. It is rare to encounter a person whose professional excellence is matched by personal grace, but Judge Trapp was just that rare kind of person.
While we mourn her loss, we also celebrate a life exceptionally well-lived. Judge Trapp’s enduring contributions to the judiciary, her mentorship, and her spirit of service will not be forgotten. Her legacy lives on in the policies she helped shape, in the countless legal minds she mentored, and in the example she set for ethical, compassionate leadership.
She is survived by her loving family, devoted friends, and countless colleagues who will continue to honor her memory through their work and their commitment to the ideals she held dear.
As we reflect on the life of Judge Mary Jane Trapp, we are reminded of the words she often embodied: that justice must be impartial, accessible, and delivered with both wisdom and heart. She lived by these principles every day, and in doing so, she elevated the standards of her profession and touched more lives than she ever realized.
Judge Trapp’s sudden passing leaves an irreplaceable void, but it also leaves a powerful legacy—one that challenges each of us to strive for fairness, to lift others as we climb, and to leave the world a better place than we found it. In honoring her memory, we rededicate ourselves to the values she championed: integrity, compassion, and justice for all.
Rest in peace, Judge Mary Jane Trapp. Thank you for your extraordinary service, your remarkable leadership, and your endless generosity of spirit. Your memory will continue to inspire and guide us for generations to come.
“A life dedicated to justice, a legacy that will never fade.”
