By Karen Andrew
The Cincinnati Enquirer

EAST WALNUT HILLS - Mary Lynn Talbert Gaefe was a take-charge kind-of-woman. She had to be. Her husband, Wilton G. Gaefe, was a U.S. Army officer and the family moved about every two years overseas, as well as in the United States.

The advantage to all that traveling was Mrs. Gaefe could pursue one of her passions, archaeology. Her daughter, Julie Miller of East Walnut Hills, remembered when they lived in Turkey.

"She went everywhere to visit the ruins and ancient cities," said Mrs. Miller. "She was extremely well-educated in the old school, which included studying the classics: Latin and Greek."

Mrs. Gaefe died Wednesday at Bethesda North Hospital. The East Walnut Hills resident was 87.

Her parents were Margaret Stockwell Talbert, a well-known poet, and Dr. Ernest L. Talbert, a University of Cincinnati professor of sociology. Cincinnati's Talbert House was named for Dr. Talbert, who was an advocate for better treatment and rehabilitation of prisoners.

Mrs. Gaefe grew up in Mount Auburn and studied archaeology at UC. She married Wilton G. Gaefe of Cincinnati in 1940. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1962.

Mrs. Gaefe worked in the planning, development and funding department for UC's bicentennial in 1969.

She shared her father's interest in social causes, and from 1970 to 1974 she worked in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati's Social Action Department. She later worked at the Council on Aging, before retiring in 1982.

"She was very strong and compassionate," Mrs. Miller said.

Mrs. Gaefe was preceded in death by her husband in 1975.

In addition to her daughter, survivors include a sister, Margaret Talbert of Clifton.

A funeral service will be held 10 a.m. Monday at the Church of our Savior, 65 East Hollister St., Mount Auburn.

Memorials: Talbert House, 2600 Victory Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45206.

E-mail kandrew@enquirer.com