Mary Juersivich was born January 22, 1947 to the late Frank and Dorothy Juersivich. She passed on May 1, 2024 at Woodlawn Compassionate Care Center after fighting the terrible metastatic cancer that took her life.
Preceded in death by brothers, Joseph and Gregory Juersivich. Survived by loving wife and best friend, Carol Hill, stepchildren Courtney (Chris) Newman of Cleveland, Michael (Cassie) Hill of North Canton, one grandson, Zachary Newman, one niece and one nephew; many, many close friends.
She attended St Paul Elementary School and graduated from Hoover High School in 1965. She went on to receive her B.A. from Walsh College in 1972 (Dean’s list), M.A. from the University of Akron in 1980 (Dean’s list) and a Ph.D. From The University of Akron in 1991 (Magna Cum Laude).
She started teaching Grade 3 at St Paul School 1966-1975, then Grade 5 at Northwood Elementary in North Canton City Schools 1975-1980. Became principal at Clearmount Elementary (NCCS) 1980-1987 and continued as principal of Orchard Hill Elementary (NCCS) until her retirement 1987-2010. Along with her teaching positions she also was Adjunct Professor at Walsh University teaching evening classes for 8 years.
Among her many professional honors, she received the Academic Letter and Pin from Walsh University. The Jennings Scholar Award, Northwood Elementary in 1978-79, and person of Character Award, Orchard Hill.
Mary was a hard-working, dedicated teacher, administrator and friend. She made many anonymous contributions to families, students, neighbors and friends. Her work ethic was above reproach.
Mary was a lover of nature, especially deer, birds and working in her flower beds and yard at her 1840’s farmhouse in Homeworth. A dog lover from childhood, many of her beloved pets surely met her at the Rainbow Bridge in heaven. Her house in Homeworth was filled with beautiful antiques, and she had a passion for collecting Native American Artifacts with two close friends, Gary Fogle and Dave Kinkema.
She was also an incredible athlete. In 1961, there were no opportunities for girls to participate in sports. Mary and Suzy Houseman decided to solve that problem by asking various merchants in North Canton to sponsor a girl by donating $20 to cover the cost of a uniform. By 1962, they had enough money to order uniforms and by 1963, they were organized and playing ball at Witwer Park. Mary continued playing softball for Wooster Lumber and caught for them in the National Softball Tournaments in 1968 (Stratford, CT), 1969 (Tucson, AZ), and 1971 (Orlando, FL).After her career as a catcher, she continued with coaching various softball teams in the area.
Mary’s pacemaker has been donated to the University of Iowa’s Veterinary College to be placed in a dog to continue his/her life. It’s what she wanted …. continuing to help animals in need.
Please, NO flowers. Memorial contributions can be made to Second Chance for Animals or the Stark County Humane Society.
A very special thank you to Aultman Hospital Hospice in Alliance and Mary’s wonderful caregivers, Summer, Elisabeth, Freddie and Marie. Also, to Woodlawn Compassionate Care Facility in Canton for their support, love and never-ending care given to both Mary and Carol during her final days. We are also eternally grateful to our many special friends for their care, help, concern, prayers, daily phone calls and texts over the past year providing support while Mary continued to fight her cancer battle.
“LIFE IS WHAT HAPPENS TO YOU WHILE YOU ARE MAKING OTHER PLANS.
KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE PRIZE - STAY HAPPY AND POSITIVE.
WATCH FOR THE ORDINARY MIRACLES IN LIFE AND INHALE THEM.
IT’S NOT ALWAYS ABOUT THE DESTINATION… DON’T FORGET TO ENJOY THE JOURNEY.” Mary
Calling hours will be held at Paquelet-Falk Funeral Home in Louisville on May 8, 2024 from 4:00-7:00pm. Condolences and special memories of Mary can be shared with her family online at www.heritagecremationsociety.com
Heritage Cremation & Burial Society
(330) 875-5770