Mary Pierson

Mother left us on October 8, 2017 to rendezvous with her beloved Marshall, in God's great kingdom. Mom had deeply missed Dad since his passing in 2011. But she always wore a smile because she knew that she and Dad would someday be reunited. She knew that because of her belief in the words of Jesus Christ. We celebrate that Mom and Dad are together again. Mary Helen Richardson was born in Akron, Ohio in 1918 to John and Helen (nee Gill) Richardson. Her mother died in the flu epidemic of 1919 and Mary Helen was raised by her Grandmother Gill. Mother grew up with three aunts and one uncle. Uncle John was Mom's big brother; Aunt Catherine was Mom's big sister, best friend and confidante for her entire life. In 1936, Mom graduated from Akron Central High School with her childhood sweetheart, Marshall J. Pierson. Mary Helen was a class officer and was awarded the Womanhood Cup. Mom attended Akron University where she was a member of Theta Phi Alpha sorority. In 1942, Mary Helen and Marshall were married. They moved to Philadelphia in 1943 where Dad completed his medical education. In 1944, Dr. and Mrs. Pierson moved to Utica, New York where Dad was assigned to Rhoads U.S. Army Orthopedic Hospital. In 1946, they moved to Downingtown, Pennsylvania and returned to their home base of Akron in 1947. In addition to husband Marshall, Mom was preceded in death by her daughter Susan and grandson Robert. Mary Helen is survived by her children, Marshall (Julia), Jack (Jan), David (Karen), Mary (Bill Bordages), Michael (Ginny), Anne, Robert (Val), son-in-law, David Cutler; 22 grandchildren and 14 great- grandchildren. She is also survived by cousins Michael Gill; Joe and Mary Jane Murphy; Paul and Betty Stitzel and many nieces and nephews. Mother was active in the community, having volunteered over 1,000 service hours to St Thomas Hospital and countless other hours to Catholic Charities. She was a member of the Akron City Womens' Club. Mother was an avid fan of the Browns, Cavaliers and Indians, as well as her alma mater, The University of Akron. But most importantly, Mom was an avid fan of her family. Every Sunday she had her children bathed and dressed for church. She seldom, if ever, missed a game, debate or award presentation in which her children participated. Mother had very many responsibilities which she always seemed to accomplish. Mary Helen was an exemplary wife and mother. Calling hours will be on, Friday, October 13, 2017 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Hummel Funeral Home, 500 East Exchange Street, Akron, Ohio 44304. Family, friends and colleagues are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 am on Saturday, October 14, 2017 at Holy Family Church, 3179 Kent Road, Stow, Ohio 44224. Interment will immediately follow at Chestnut Hill Cemetery in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Holy Family Parish or the Catholic Charities Community Services of Summit County. Please visit the online guest book to send condolences at www.hummelcares.com