Mary Katherine (Koehler) Aberth

Mary Katherine (Koehler) Aberth, 78, passed away unexpectedly but peacefully, February 23, 2022. Mary Kay was born January 13, 1944 in Akron to parents John and Katherine Koehler. She attended Zion Lutheran Grade School, West Jr. High and Buchtel High School where she was so proud to be on the majorette team. She was a long time member of Fairlawn Lutheran Church.

Mary Kay loved to dance, always being the first one on the dance floor. She and Jim were known for their jitterbugging and smooth dancing. She was an avid reader, prolific baker and candy maker, crafter, and flower gardener until early onset Parkinson’s Disease cruelly took over her body. She was known for her excellent fashion style, makeup and manicured nails. She loved all holidays and decorated the house inside and out. Mary Kay will always be remembered for her crazy holiday hats, sweaters and fun light up jewelry.

Mary Kay and Jim knew each other all their lives as both their families attended Zion Lutheran Church but it wasn’t until their teens and attending Walther League that they fell in love. She was his “Cookie” and he was “my Jimmy”.  They celebrated 60 years of marriage last October.  Theirs was, and will continue to be, a once in a lifetime love. 

 Preceded in death by her parents and daughter-in-law Kim, she is survived by her beloved husband Jim; her loving children, Laura (Mike) George, David and Melissa along with her grandchildren, Jeremy, Kate, Sarah, Mia and Max whom she adored with all of her heart.  She is also survived by sisters Janis (Jon) Wendelken of Akron, Judy (Lloyd) Cooper of AZ; sisters-in-law, Martha Aberth of Clinton, Ruth Peterson of CA and Lois (Jack) Sampson of FL; as well as many nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank the staff at The Merriman for their compassionate care and love over the last five years.  They became our extended family.

Funeral service will be held at Fairlawn Lutheran Church, 3415 W. Market Street, on March 3, 2022 at 1:00 PM with Pastor James Gau officiating.  Viewing for family and friends will take place an hour prior. 

Interment to follow at Northlawn Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Fairlawn Lutheran Church, 3415 W. Market St., Fairlawn OH 44333 or Ohio Parkinson Foundation/Northeast Region, PO Box 31907, Independence OH  44131-4854, (www.ohparkinson.com) .

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