Obituary of Kathleen Marie Sykes

Kathleen Marie Sykes, passed away on July 5, 2009 completing a wonderful life of 85 years. Kathleen was born September 10, 1923 in Akron, Ohio to Kathleen and Clifford Stroup. She grew up on North Hill where Kathleen was one of five children, three sisters Helen, Winnie, and Geraldine and eldest brother Howard. She attended North High School and met Art Sykes at Waterworks Park, her husband of 60 years and true love. Kathleen and Arthur Sykes were married on April 7, 1943 at the Lawson YMCA in Chicago, Ill. Two Army companions of Art's stood up at the wedding. The one day honeymoon was celebrated by a night of dancing to Cab Calloway at the Palmer House in downtown Chicago. Love and dedication carried her to interesting places during World War II, where Art was stationed for training in the U.S. Army. After Chicago, the next stop was Pocatello, Idaho, where she worked at a railroad station and a fruit stand. Phoenix, Ariz. was next where she found an apartment until Art was shipped off to England. Kate, as she was known, then moved back home to Akron. She was pregnant with her eldest son, Denny. Kate was not shy of work and held good positions. Thoughout the years she worked as a secretary at Firestone Tire and O'Neill's Department Store, where she sold jewelry; and Spiegel's, a catalog ordering company in Akron. She even spent a short time working as a welder at the Goodyear Air Dock. Eldest son, Dennis Arthur Sykes, was born August 6, 1944, while Art was stationed in England. Art made it home from World War II and John Donald Sykes or "Johnny" as she called him, was born July 26, 1946. After the war, Kate and Art moved in with her parents on Ranney Street, until Art, a carpenter, built their first house on 17th Street. Four years later they moved into their second built home on North Haven Blvd. They lived there until 1995, when they moved into a condominium in Cuyahoga Falls near Brookledge Golf Course. Sykes Construction began in 1960 as a sole proprietorship and was incorporated in 1967. The office consisted of one filing cabinet, two tables, and a desk. Kate was the first secretary. Sons Denny and John joined and helped build the family business into a respected commercial construction company for 40 years. Kate worked as the secretary for Sykes Construction and held the company together from 1967 until her retirement in 1991. Her best job though, was taking care of her family and close friends. That is what she lived to do. It was her purpose and it made her happy. Her gentle kindness cannot be described in words or how much she meant to everyone she touched. She was a mother who was always there, a grandma who did nothing but love her boys, and a wife who loved her husband Art for 60 years and cared for him until the end. A wonderful life indeed. She never got upset, but was always there with a smile, ready to give a hug and a kiss. Or maybe she took the time just to listen as a friend. Thanks for being there. We love you Grandma. She is survived by her sons, Dennis Sykes of Cuyahoga Falls and son, John and wife, Janet Sykes of Akron; grandsons, Shawn Sykes of Charlotte, N.C. and Scott Sykes of Charleston, S.C.; grandson, Jonas Sykes and wife, Kim; and three great-grandchildren, Grace, Jason, and Isabella of Jackson Township. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staffs, doctors, and nurses of both the Briarwood and the Hospice of Summa for the exceptional care and compassion their mother received while in their care. Cremation has taken place. Per Kate's wishes a private memorial service and entombment of ashes will take place at a later date. Memorial donations in Kate's memory may be made to the Hospice of Summa 444 N. Main St. Akron, OH 44310