Carolyn Gantz

With a heavy heart and tremendous sorrow, we are duty bound to announce the passing of Carolyn A Gantz (Barnosky, Currence), of East Sparta, Ohio (also Canton and Mantua, Ohio), on October 2, 2023, after very recently being diagnosed with stage 4 liver cancer.  She can now rejoice in her faith and sit with the loved ones whose hands she has longed to hold.

She was loyal, honest, dedicated, trustworthy, intelligent and wise, and wanted people to grow and succeed. It hurt to disappoint her, and her ire was to be feared because she earned the respect of her peers and the admiration of those of us who could not be as strong as her.  We all long to hold her hand and hear her advice and direction just one more time.

Carolyn was born to John J. and Hattie Barnosky on July 26, 1947.  After graduating Crestwood High School in Mantua, Ohio, her loving and caring nature guided her to nursing school where she became a Registered Nurse.   In 1973, she began a life-long career, carrying several titles and positions throughout, at Doctor’s Hospital in Massillon, OH.  When Doctor’s Hospital and Massillon Community Hospital merged to become Affinity Medical Center, Carolyn merged as well.  When she was due to retire, she was asked to stay and help them close the doors, which she felt was an honor and proudly stayed on.  Finally, after 45 years, she retired with her 30+ year title, Midnight Hospital Coordinator.  This is just a glimpse of the kind of loyalty, love and respect she had for others and why so many loved, valued and respected her in return.

Carolyn is survived by her only child, Melanie Kidd (Currence) and her sister, Barbara Cain (Tom); grandchildren, Skylie, Gavin and Anthony Jr (Ashley) Kidd; and great grandchild, Phoenix Kidd (Jr. & Ashley).

Carolyn was married to Wayne I Gantz in 1982 who preceded her in death in 2008.  His children became an important part of her life and continued to be a part of her life after his passing; Mathew Gantz, Trish Gantz McLeod and Timothy Gantz (Pat); grandchildren, Jacky Madrill (Mike), Jessica Smith (Bobbie) and Jayme (Amy) Still and Tyler Gantz; great grandchildren, Casey, Holly, Bradley, Izaiah, Jacob, Austin; and even some great-great grandchildren.

One of the most important and most beloved persons in her life, who held her hand and walked with her to the gates of Heaven, never leaving her side, was her dearest friend, Deena Mullane, whose family loved, valued and respected Carolyn very deeply, thank you to all of you!: Jay Mullane, Chadd Hensel, Josh Hensel, Laccie and Nick Strickland and her special little fishing buddies: Hallie, Hunter, Adrian, Lexi, Aiden, Bella, Tuff, and Maddox.

Carolyn was with people she loved in her final days and had their comfort and support as she was freed from the pain and struggle of this mortal experience.

A memorial service is being held on Sunday, October 29, 2023, at the facility at Garaux Park, 3801 13th St., Canton, OH 44710, from 3:00pm – 8:00pm, hosted by Deena Mullane and her family.  There will be food, lots of pictures to enjoy and many friends and family to reflect on the life of this amazing woman for her unwavering and unconditional love as much as her refusal to allow the world to dictate terms to her.

Carolyn’s family will be holding a Celebration of Life on July 27, 2024, the day after her birthday, at Sippo Lake – her favorite place to go fishing.  More details will be posted closer to the time of the engagement.

Any questions, special words or pictures may be sent to: CarolynsMemorialEmail@gmail.com