Obituary of Lena Smole

Lena Smole (Sibit), 93, passed away Tuesday, October 25, 2011 surrounded by her family. She was born in Akron and lived in Firestone Park most of her 93 years until moving to Green 4 1/2 years ago to live with her daughter, Lynda and husband Joe. She was a lifetime member of St. Paul Catholic Church and proudly celebrated 64 years of marriage to her husband Joseph. She was a Naval Inspector at Goodyear Aerospace retiring in 1977 with over 40 years of service. At Aerospace, she worked as a Naval inspector and helped to build one of the very first blimps that was ever made. She was one of many "Rosie the Riveters", and selected as one of Goodyear Aerospace's "Miss Americas" during the war years. Lena would always say that the stories were true - "Yes it did rain in the Air Dock" and "she did get wet! She always wanted to ride in "her" blimp and got her wish in 1985. She was an elder member of the Red Hat Society and was affectionately known as "mom" to many who met her. She had a deep love for animals and even taught a bird to fly! One could say, she was an animal's best friend. She would share anything she had with you and was generous in every way. She was well known for her hand-made pot scrubbers which have been passed all across the United States. For 25 years, she worked in the University of Akron Press Box with her daughter making 50-60 dozen peanut butter and chocolate chip cookies for each home game. She was affectionately known as the "cookie lady". She was preceded in death by her parents, Rosario and Maria (DiMaria) Sibit; brothers, Sam, Matt, Russ and Roy; sister-in-law, Abrilia (Billie) Cipiti. Lena is survived by her husband of 64 years, Joseph; daughter, Lynda; brother, Basilio Cipiti (Buzzy), loving family, Jean Sibit, Darrin & Derik Sibit, Shawn (Jennifer) Sibit, Sara, Tyler and Aaron Sibit and James Roy; Part of her extended family are Gayle, Kari & Dylan Kimberly along with many other nieces, nephews and friends. Special thanks to the amazing caregivers who patiently helped her with daily tasks, Kimberly Spindle, Sharon Eagon & Ida McCarthy. Funeral services will be held Monday, 10:30 a.m. at the Anthony Funeral Home Kucko-Anthony-Kertesz Chapel, 1990 S. Main St. in Akron with a Funeral Mass celebrated at 11 a.m. at St. Paul Catholic Church. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday 3 to 6 p.m. at the funeral home. Donations may be made to the Summit County Humane Society or to Memorials of Angels at 330-773-2385. (Anthony Funeral Homes, Akron, 330-724-1281, www.anthonyfh.com)