Marie Waickman

Marie "Nana" Waickman was granted her great desire to go to heaven on July 15, 2023. Marie was born in Omaha, Nebraska on August 29, 1924. She spent most of her early childhood moving, as her father travelled for land development work. She graduated from Our Lady of Lourdes grade school in St. Louis, MO, Duchesne Academy High School in Omaha, NE and Maryville College in St. Louis, MO. She briefly worked for Maryville College in publicity after graduation. It was through that work that she met her husband to be, Frank Waickman, M.D. They married in 1949, and soon had 7 children. Three were born in St. Louis while Frank was in the Air Force and 4 more arrived after they moved to her husband's home town of Akron, Ohio in 1955. Marie spent the next 15 years raising her children. Once the children were old enough, she launched into a very successful volunteer career. She began by creating the St. Sebastian Parish grade school library. Soon she was on the local CYO board, was Board member and President of the Summit County Medical Society Auxiliary, Board member of the Blick Clinic and Summit County 648 board, and Board member and President of the Archbishop Hoban High School Board of Trustees. She felt, however, that her greatest accomplishment was the founding of Mobile Meals, Inc., of Akron, Ohio. She was the first President and a long time Board member for Mobile Meals. She also was a proud member of the Fort Nightly Club of Akron and Guardian Angels Catholic Church. Her volunteer efforts were recognized in 2012 when she received the Woman of Achievement Award from the Women's Network, Inc. of Northeast Ohio. Frank and Marie loved to travel for family visits, medical meetings, and for the joy of travel itself. Whenever one of her children would recount their recent foreign travels, Marie's response was nearly always "Oh, I've been there!" But Marie's first priority was always her family. She lovingly cared for her own mother, Grandma Kit who lived with Marie and family for many years. She also lovingly cared for and enjoyed life with her husband Frank throughout their 57 years together. Marie took great joy and pride in her children and their families and always provided an abundance of love, support and wisdom. She was known to declare to friends and strangers alike, "I have the most wonderful family in the world!"

The family would like to thank the staff of The Village of St. Edward and Senior Helpers for their care, and dear friend Emily Petrarca for her love and friendship to Marie. Marie was preceded in death by her father Mark Martin, mother Kathryne Halpine Martin, husband Dr. Francis J. Waickman, son Dr. F. Joseph Waickman Jr., and son William Christopher Waickman. She is survived by her children Tony (Lynn), Ann (John Moore), Mark (Pat), Marianne, Mike (Mary Beth) and Kit (Awen Briem), 13 adored grandchildren, and 7 equally adored great grandchildren. Calling hours will be at Guardian Angels Church in Copley at 10 a.m. on August 4, 2023, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to The Village of Saint Edward Foundation, 3131 Smith Rd, Akron, Ohio 44333 or the Akron Canton Regional Food Bank, 350 Opportunity Parkway, Akron, Ohio 44307.