Dorothy Anderson

When my husband died I knew only two ways to make a living and one was illegal so I took up cooking.' Dorothy Louise Gmerek was born on May 20 1928 in Akron Ohio to Martha Jaskowak and Edward Gmerek. She passed from this world to eternal life on August 6 2010 to join the love of her life; John M. Anderson. Also meeting her in her heavenly home is sister Helen Hoye. Left to debate life's mysteries now unchallenged is beloved brother Richard E. Gmerek of Indianapolis. She is survived by 2 daughters..Oops! She lost count; 3 daughters: Nancy Bird Mastadonna (Tony) Mary Patton (Keven) and JoAnn Crawford (Ray) the one she recently forgot. And golden angel baby boy John E. (Anne). Throughout her life Dorothy opened her home and heart to extended 'children': Allison Riggle Marge Ondack (Tim) and Joanne Valachovic. For fifteen years she cherished and spoiled her first grandchild Christopher Bird (Danielle). Some years later Dorothy was blessed with an abundance of loving grandchildren: Michael and Claire Patton Audrey and Harrison Crawford Gabrielle Madelyn Natalie and Jillian Anderson. And she loved in a special way..Emma Rose Mary Margaret and Rex Ondack Kristina and Patrick Patton Mindy Mastadonna Soulsby and Savannah Gibbons. She also leaves many nieces nephews godchildren cousins and special colleague and loving friend Geraldine Gruic who ably served Dorothy as 2nd In Command in her catering crew. During Dorothy's prodigious catering career she served thousands of meals - and just as many smiles and thoughtful words. Her Annunciation Lenten Fish Fries became legendary and she took special pride in serving her 'Boys of the Diocese of Cleveland ' who now face the misfortune of trying to replace Dorothy's delicious meals. Our family invites you to celebrate Dorothy's life with a Vigil Service 3PM Monday August 9 2010 at the Visitation of Mary Parish (Annunciation Church) 87 Broad Street Akron Ohio where we invite you to share your favorite memory of Dorothy. Calling Hours will follow 4-8PM at the Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10AM Tuesday August 10 2010 with Fr. Jonathon Zingales presiding. In lieu of flowers Dorothy requests donations be made to Visitation of Mary Parish. And in Dorothy's own words: 'Always leave ... a lady' On the fork: Save Your Fork; The Best is Yet to Come!