Allison Gmerek

Allison Marie Gmerek passed away on September 20, 2016 after a long and courageous battle with congenital heart disease. Allison was born May 20, 1995, and it was five days later, with the first surgery, that her life would be forever a constant challenge. Although her illness made her appear frail, her strength and personality gave her the ability to overcome any physical or mental challenges. Allison's smile would light up any room and she would immediately become your best friend with one look into her eyes. Allison had a passion and a love for life. She did not admit to herself that she had a disability. Allison attended and graduated from Lake High School in Uniontown. And through the years, participated in cheerleading, gymnastics, dance groups, and attended proms and dances. She also had a love for music which included her favorite band, One Direction. 'The boys', as she would call them, were always with her wherever she went. But her two biggest passions of life were cooking and baseball. Because of her passion for cooking, she and her Mom recently started a cookie business, with a company name picked out by Allison, 'Queen of Hearts Bakery'. She was the official taster and would help whenever possible. Allison was always making suggestions and would tell Lynn when she was doing something wrong. Her ideas came from Pinterest and the Food Network Channel which kept Allison entertained when she was not active with something else. Allison was also a member of the Canton Challenger Baseball League for nine years. Her team was the Rockies. She loved the sport and the time that was spent with her friends and teammates. She received the 'Award of Courage' this summer from the league, as her illnesses was starting to get the best of her. Through it all, she never gave up. Allison is survived by her parents, Steve and Lynn Gmerek; sisters Melissa and Paige and a large and wonderful family, too many to mention, including grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and Dr Kenneth Zahka. He provided us the opportunity to experience twenty-one years of beautiful memories and happiness. There will be a private, Catholic service for immediate family members only. We ask that in lieu of flowers or gifts, please make a donation, in Allison's name, to the Canton Challenger Baseball League. She was a proud supporter of her team, her friends, and the league. Donations c/o Canton Challenger Baseball, 3078 Huntcliffe Rd NE, Canton OH 44721.