Obituary of Mary Ann Gehring

Mary Ann Gehring (aka Mirney) passed away on June 27, 2015, at home with her family, after a long, courageous battle with ovarian cancer. Mary Ann was born in Akron, and was an area resident her entire life. She worked as a registered nurse at Akron General Medical Center as well as the Cleveland Clinic. Mary Ann was member of Cornerstone Church in Akron. She was known for the Memory Quilts she made and gave to others to continue the legacy of her mom, Dolly Kekela. She dedicated the last 10 years of her dad's life to being his caretaker, to enable him to live his life comfortably at home, while also caring for her own family. Most important to Mary Ann were her two sons, Bradley and Matthew, whom she loved dearly. She loved to travel to warm sunny destinations where she enjoyed the calm of the ocean and the sandy beaches. She was a social butterfly and loved spending time with friends and family. She was known for her great personality and sense of humor. She was her everyone's personal interior decorator and advisor, as she had an impeccable eye for design. One could always count on her for her exquisite taste in fashion as well. Her generosity and love made a difference in many lives. Her outward beauty was matched perfectly with her beautiful heart. Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents, John & Dolly Kekela. She is survived by her sons Bradley & Matthew; siblings, Tom (Debbie) Kekela, Chris Shirkman (Bob Spencer), Susan (Gary) Corsetti, and Sandy Diehl (Terry Wisener); nephews Christopher (Jacqui) Diehl, Jordan (Niki) Shirkman, and Ryan Kekela; great niece, Reagan Jane Shirkman; dear friend Dan Cudnik; special friends, Jane Waterman, George & Brigitta Moresea, Becky & Tony Alexander. Much appreciation to Ted & Anita Reece, Jay & Glenna Culpepper, as well as so many other close friends who were here to support the family. A special thank you to her sister Sandy for sacrificing the last five years caring and loving Mary Ann and the boys. Also, thanks to Summa Hospice for all the great service and care. Her family cannot thank everyone and the Green Community enough for all they did to create such memorable experiences toward the end of her life. The family will receive friends and relatives on Tuesday, June 30, 2015 from 5 - 8 p.m. at Anthony Funeral Homes, Kucko Anthony Kertesz Chapel, 1990 S. Main in Akron. A memorial service will be held 11 AM on Wednesday, July 1, 2015 at the Cornerstone Church, 578 Killian Rd, Akron, 44319, where the family will receive friends one hour prior. Pastor Brenda Young officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Trust of Mary Ann Gehring, via any Chase Bank location for her sons, Bradley and Matthew, or to oroc.org, for ovarian cancer awareness and research. (Anthony, Akron, 330-724-1281, anthonyfh.com)