🏠 Heart homecoming

Carol A. Swartz

Carol A. Swartz (Seminerio), born March 7, 1938, in Akron, Ohio, passed away on May 9, 2025, following her husband Jim's death in 2022 after 63 years of marriage. As a devoted mother of six children, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Carol dedicated countless hours volunteering at St. Hilary School, youth sports teams, and other community organizations. She was an active member of the Fairlawn City Women's Club for over 30 years, helped found the Fairlawn Seniors' group in 2013, and enjoyed playing bridge with friends and spending time with family. Carol is survived by her 100-year-old sister Eleanor, six children, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

Norma J Nitzsche

Norma J. Nitzsche, 96, of Cuyahoga Falls, died peacefully on May 10, 2025. Born on April 28, 1929, to Joseph and Lucille Goodall, she enjoyed golfing, shopping, and dining out with loved ones. She was preceded in death by her husband Russell, sons Ray and Russell, and is survived by her children Robert and Debra, eight grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren. A graveside service will be held on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at Chestnut Hill Memorial Park.

Davalee June Dickinson

Davalee J. Dickinson, a 92-year-old resident of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, passed away on May 9, 2025. Born in Detroit, Michigan, she spent her life in Cuyahoga Falls where she was a member of Steels Corner Community Church and worked with young children at Northampton Elementary School. She was married to William W. Dickinson for 46 years and is survived by her four children, eight grandchildren, and 27 great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on May 14th at Steels Corner Community Church, with memorial donations suggested for Crossroads Hospice Charitable Foundation or the Humane Society of Summit County.

Mary Rankin

Mary Eleanor Rankin, who passed away on May 12, 2025, at age 94, was the devoted wife of Chuck "Bud" Rankin and mother to four children. Throughout her life, she created cherished family traditions, from summer lake house gatherings to "GG's pizza nights" and Christmas Eve brunches. Mary pursued education herself, earning college degrees and spending her career as an elementary school teacher before tutoring ESL students. Her legacy lives on through her surviving children, 11 grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren, as well as the countless ways she expressed love through hospitality, handmade gifts, and creating meaningful connections.

Phyllis A. Hale

Phyllis Ann Hale, 80, passed away on May 8, 2025, in Uniontown, Ohio, where she resided. A Massillon-Washington High School graduate, she had retired from Lake Local Schools and was a member of First Christian Church in Massillon. Phyllis enjoyed Special Olympics, reading, the beach, and traveling to Gulf Shores, Alabama. She is survived by her husband Thomas, her children Robert and Susan, her granddaughter Emily, and three great-grandchildren, with a memorial service scheduled for May 13 at Calvary Chapel in Massillon.

Joseph Peter Rodriques

Joseph Peter Rodriques, a 72-year-old Army Veteran who served during the Vietnam War, passed away on May 8, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. He was a skilled automobile mechanic and truck driver who found joy in his various trades. Joseph was a devoted husband to Tina, a loving father to Cathi, and a cherished grandfather who deeply valued his family relationships. His passions included fishing and caring for his dogs, and he was guided by his strong faith in God throughout his life.

Joanne M. Ricci (Michalec)

Joanne M. Ricci (Michalec), 90, passed away on May 9, 2025, after a life that began in Akron, Ohio. She worked at Akron Juvenile Court before retiring from Roadway Express after 29 years, and was a devoted member of St. Eugene Catholic Church. A dedicated prayer warrior, Joanne cherished her family, taking pride in her children and grandchildren's accomplishments. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, great-grandson, sister, nephew, and niece, with funeral services to be held at Redmon Funeral Home and St. Eugene Catholic Church.

Jacqueline Ross

Jacqueline Ross, 67, of California and Ohio, died on May 6, 2025, following a battle with cancer. A Stanford MBA graduate, Jackie had a successful Silicon Valley marketing career that enabled her philanthropic work. Though she traveled extensively, she also enjoyed simple pleasures like hiking and museum visits. She is survived by her siblings John, Cynthia, and Karen, along with a nephew and niece, while her parents John and Theresa preceded her in death.

Gary Andrew Brown

Gary Andrew Brown, 85, died peacefully on May 11th with his family by his side. He lived a multifaceted life as an artist, architect, author, dog musher, motorcycle enthusiast, and teacher. Gary is survived by eight children and six grandchildren. He is now reunited with his parents, sister Dolly, and son Christopher. His final resting place will be in Kirtland, Ohio, where he will be buried alongside his parents and other family members.

Rosemary Catherine Huffman

Rosemary Catherine Huffman (Kmetz), 81, passed away peacefully at home on May 10, 2025, after a life dedicated to faith, family, and adventure. Born on March 13, 1944, she was a talented homemaker and office manager who excelled at making others feel valued and was known for her gift of making people feel seen and heard. She was preceded in death by her husband George, with whom she shared 58 years of devoted marriage and built a beautiful life together. Rosemary is survived by her children Teresa and Edward, three grandchildren, her brother Bernard, and many other family members and close friends.