🎭 Arts and rounds

Freda L. Olszeski

Freda L. Olszeski, 93, of Hartville, Ohio, passed away on March 11, 2025, following a journey with dementia. Born in 1931, she married John Olszeski in 1953, with whom she raised three daughters and operated multiple businesses, including her cherished "Freda's Hallmark Shops." An avid sports enthusiast, Freda held Cleveland Browns season tickets for 30 years and supported various Ohio sports teams, while also enjoying baking, sewing, and gardening. She is survived by her three daughters, six grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and numerous other relatives, with a celebration of life scheduled for March 21, 2025.

Diana Mathews

Diana Mathews of Canton, Ohio passed away at age 69 on March 7, 2025, at home surrounded by loved ones. As the youngest of four children and only daughter, Diana enjoyed baking, playing cards, diamond art, and ceramics. She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, and two husbands. Diana is survived by eight children, 22 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren, with a viewing scheduled at Paquelet-Falk Funeral Home on March 17, followed by graveside services at New Cumberland Cemetery.

Susan J. Hines

Susan Jean Hines, 84, passed away on March 11, 2025, after being born in Alliance on August 27, 1940. A Mount Union College graduate, she worked as a teacher in the Alliance School System and enjoyed reading, gardening, and traveling to visit her children. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brother, and numerous extended family members, while being preceded in death by her parents and longtime companion John Burson. Per her wishes, no services will be held, with memorial contributions directed to the Rodman Public Library Home Delivery Service.

Patricia Lee Haddad

Patricia L. Haddad, 76, of Perry Township, passed away on March 10, 2025, after a brief illness. She worked at Nickles Bakery as a baker's helper while also being a dedicated homemaker and mother. Patricia devoted her life to her family, creating warm memories for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is survived by her husband Rick, three children, six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and her sister Connie, with funeral services scheduled for March 14, 2025, at Atkinson Feucht Hare Funeral Home.

David Allen

David "Dave" C. Allen passed away on March 10, 2025, at Aultman Hospital in Canton, Ohio, with his wife Kathi by his side. Born on October 13, 1951, Dave served in the U.S. Navy as an air traffic controller before retiring from Campbell Oil as a truck driver. He enjoyed cruises with his wife, loved dogs, and was known for his humor and ability to make others laugh. Dave is survived by his wife Kathleen, three children, and three granddaughters, with no funeral services being held per his request.

Merrillie Ann Kessler

Merrillie A. Kessler, 82, of Canal Fulton, passed away on March 6, 2025. Born in Akron in 1942, she worked at various veterinary clinics and was passionate about her dachshunds, gardening, knitting, and attending car shows with her late husband Raymond. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brother, and sister, and is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. A memorial service will be held on March 23, 2025, at the Swigart-Easterling Funeral Home, with donations directed to the Stark County Humane Society in lieu of flowers.

Alma J. Moore

Alma J. Moore, 62, of Stow, Ohio passed away on March 7th, 2025, after battling cancer. She was a devoted educator who earned multiple degrees, culminating in a Ph.D. in Counseling Education from Kent State University in 2019. Alma was an active member of Word of God Community Church for over 20 years, where she taught Sunday School and lived out her strong Christian faith. Known for her kindness, love of sports, cats, and Barry Manilow, she is survived by five siblings and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends who became like family. A celebration of her life will be held on March 17th at Heritage Reformed Baptist Church in Canton, Ohio.

Neil E. Devore

Neil E. Devore, 67, of Dalton, passed away at home on March 11, 2025, surrounded by family. A Canton McKinley High School graduate, Neil worked as a systems operator for Ameridial, Inc., and was known for his work ethic and kindness. Beyond his career, he was a devoted family man who enjoyed Jeopardy, reading, and history. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Christina, two sons, five grandchildren, and three dogs, while being preceded in death by his parents and brother. A memorial service will be held on March 17, 2025, at Kreighbaum-Sanders Funeral Home.

Shirley Martin

Shirley Martin, age 97, passed away on March 9, 2025, in Canton. Born in 1927, she graduated from Timken Vocational High School, began her career as a secretary at Ohio Power, later earned a Bachelor's Degree from Malone University, and retired as an Information Analyst when the company closed its Canton operations. She was a member of John Knox Presbyterian Church with her husband Glen, who preceded her in death in 2014 after 59 years of marriage. Shirley is survived by her daughter, three grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren, with funeral services scheduled for March 14, 2025, at Reed Funeral Home in North Canton.

Charles E. Thompson

Charles E. Thompson, 97, passed away on March 6, 2025, survived by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, though preceded in death by his parents and wife Patricia. A Canton resident for most of his life, Thompson served in the US Navy, spent time as a lay brother in a monastery, and graduated from Ohio State University in 1959. His career was spent as an insurance claims manager until his retirement in 1991, after which he and Patricia lived in Florida for a decade before returning to Canton. Thompson was active in his community as president of the Canton Claims Association and a member of St. Joseph parish, where he served as an usher.

Katherine L. Gorthey

Katherine L. Gorthey, 80, formerly of Massillon, passed away on February 19, 2025, after spending most of her life near Sacandaga Lake in New York. She was a self-taught entrepreneur who operated her own landscaping business and was a talented artist who sold her paintings at informal showings. Katherine embraced a modest, single lifestyle while maintaining close relationships with her family and a few friends, staying connected to her Methodist faith even as her health declined. She is survived by her sister Carol and four nephews, with cremation having taken place and a private burial planned for spring in Broadalbin, New York.

Richard Godfrey

This brief obituary announces the passing of an individual on March 2nd, 2025, who was born on September 6th, 1950. The deceased is remembered as a "Husband, Dad, Grandpa and Friend." A visitation will be held on March 13th at 11 am, followed by a Celebration of Life service. The services will take place at Paquelet-Falk Funeral Home, located at 303 S. Chapel St., Louisville, Ohio 44641.

Marjory June Trimmer

Marjory June Trimmer passed away peacefully on March 6, 2025, at age 98, after a life dedicated to family and community. Born in 1926 in New Philadelphia, Ohio, she worked as a homemaker and later as a well-liked sales associate at Winston Shoes. Marjory is survived by her daughters Jill and Kay, four grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren, having been predeceased by her husband James, her parents, and two brothers. Per her wishes, private services will be held to honor her legacy of love, compassion, and unwavering strength that continues to live on through her family.