Obituary of Mary Margaret Guran

Mary Margaret (MacKinnon) Guran, 80, departed her earthly home in the early morning hours of Wednesday, February 1, 2012, at Akron General Medical Center surrounded by her three daughters. She was born on March 28, 1931 in Akron, Ohio, to her parents Lachlan and Christina MacKinnon, Scottish immigrants from the Isle of Skye. She was so proud of her ancestry and heritage, exhibiting strong Scottish strength and will throughout her life, even at the end. Mary graduated from Kenmore High School and then Peoples Hospital (Akron General) School of Nursing, and became a registered nurse. She loved the nursing profession and had many fond memories during a time when nurses wore white starched uniforms, caps, and stockings, and hospitals had no air conditioning. It was at this time that she met the love of her life, William (Bill) Guran at a YMCA dance where he was drawn to her beautiful blue eyes. They were married on February 5, 1955, during an Akron blizzard, an event that was relived on their 40th Anniversary when the family surprised them with a celebration at Anthe's Restaurant. Mary knew that being part of the Guran family (M.B. Guran Concrete and Supply Co.) required patience, flexibility with dinners—especially in the summer, and often delayed summer vacations during the height of the "pouring season". During the 1960s, when the company was laying the concrete for the new interstate highways in northeast Ohio, Sunday afternoons after church were spent visiting the various job sites. Mary and her daughters quickly learned the business terminology and the lay of the land—so to speak! As a young girl, Mary spent memorable summers in Canada fishing with her Scottish parents and sister Pat. Fishing was an important part of the livelihood of her parents on the Isle of Skye, and Canada was the country to which they originally immigrated, retaining many strong links to Canada. Living in small "cabins" with no running water, it was the perfect antidote for the depression era—when money was scarce but her resourceful Scottish family always found a way to stretch the budget for this annual trip. An expert angler, Mary passed on her skills to her daughters and in fact, gave each of the girls a casting pole as a confirmation present! Along with sister Pat and her husband, Floyd, and their children Karen, Don and Bob, whom Mary loved dearly, the family continued the fishing tradition during summers as the children were growing up. An avid gardener and cook, Mary was a proud recipient of Akron Beautification awards. She loved the wildlife that frequented her gardens, despite their preference for feasting on her flowers. Her culinary abilities, inherited from her mother who was a professional cook, were well known in the family. She was as good creating Slovak dishes from her husband's ethnic heritage, as baking Scottish scones and shortbread. Mary was a faithful and lifelong member of St. John Lutheran Church after marrying Bill. Bill's father was one of the founding members—many of whom, including the Gurans, came from Slovakia. Until recently she was an active part of "the cabbage roll crew". Along with her good friend Ann, the two would wrap hundreds of perfectly constructed cabbage rolls that would then be lovingly packaged for sale to the community as part of a very successful fundraiser. She loved all of her friends on the production line, including Fran, Millie and Steve, Bob, Ann, Betty, Diane, Judy, Kathy, and Lydia. She'd always bring a large bag of rolls home and freeze them so they would be available when her daughters visited--- because everyone loved cabbage rolls! She was preceded in death by her husband William (Bill), and her parents. She is survived by her three daughters, Betsy (Alexandria, VA), Kathy (Blue Ash, OH), and Julia and husband David (Green, OH); grandchildren Adam Sues and Kaileen Gersper (Chapel Hill, NC) and Hannah Sues (Green, OH); Sister and Brother-in-law, Pat and Floyd Somerville (St. Petersburg, FL); Brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Elmer and Maurice Guran (Ormond Beach, FL); Sister-in-law, Elizabeth Guran (Akron, Ohio); many nieces and nephews, her devoted friend Robert Carmack, and her faithful canine companion, Robbie. She departed her earthly life to join her loving husband, Bill, whose life together is best represented by Robert Burns' immortal poem, Auld Lang Syne: We two have run about the slopes, and picked the daisies fine; But we've wandered many a weary foot since auld lang syne. We two have paddled in the stream, from morning sun till dine; but seas between us broad have roared since auld lang syne. And there's a hand my trusty friend! And give us a hand o' thine! And we'll take a right good-will draught, for auld lang syne. For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne, we'll take a cup of kindness yet, for auld lang syne. Calling hours for Mary will be on Saturday, February 4, from 3 to 5 pm, at Kucko-Anthony-Kertesz Funeral Home, 1990 S. Main St., Akron, Ohio. A memorial service will be held at St. John Lutheran Church on Sunday, February 5, at 3 pm. A private burial will be held on Monday at Rose Hill Cemetery. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. John Lutheran Church, 550 E. Wilbeth Rd., Akron, Ohio 44301. (Anthony, 330.724.1281, www.anthonyfh.com)