Christine Ann Jakiela-Myers

Christine Jakiela-Myers' journey began in Braddock, PA on July 1, 1948 - the daughter of Stephanie (Kubik) and John Jakiela - and as her life unfolded, the family and community she created grew with her until her final days.

A devout Pittsburgh Steelers fan and lover of pierogis, picture collages and kolachi, Chris lived a life full of family, faith and service to others. After attending Sacred Heart School, graduating from St. Thomas High School in 1966 and enrolling in Braddock Hospital School of Nursing (class of 1969), Chris began her vocation of care as a nurse - a commitment that continued for more than 50 years. Her kindness, compassion and concern for everyone around her built bonds that would last a lifetime.

After meeting her husband, Vaughn Myers II, she moved to the Youngstown area in the mid-70's. It was in creating a home, planting new roots in the Northeast Ohio community, and raising kids that she found her greatest joy. From the Pinecrest / Churchill neighborhood in Liberty to the St. Rose and St. Hilary churches, the Montrose Giant Eagle grocery store and pharmacy team, the Smith Road Akron Public Library, and every place in between, Chris made friends everywhere she went and opened her arms, her home, and her heart to all she came across. In this spirit, her neighbors extended far beyond the cities she resided in and became family that she would enjoy long walks, trips to the beach, grandchildren's activities, playing cards, and countless cups of coffee with.

Known as "Mama Myers" to many, she took great pride in the places she came from and found purpose in her many meaningful acts of love. She wrote notes by hand and sent them in the mail, printed out pictures and crafted beautiful collages of memories, and baked desserts from scratch with love. Her selfless service and deep care for others left an imprint that will live on for generations to come.

Christine is survived by her two children, Stephanie Bussan (Michael) and Vaughn Myers III of Akron, two grandchildren, Charlotte and Mara Bussan, and her grandpuppy KG that remain her greatest treasures. With a profound respect for family bonds, her younger years were shaped alongside her four brothers who survive her: John ( Judy) Jakiela of Monroeville, Thomas Jakiela of Braddock, Frank (Sue) Jakiela of Collegeville, and Joseph Jakiela of Pittsburgh, while her family raising years were shaped by the siblings-in-law who survive her: MaryAnn Cookie Ward (and the late Kenny Ward) of Girard, OH and Phyllis (Butch) Reich of Virginia and her many nieces and nephews: Daniel (Kelsey), Douglas (Nikki), Brandon, Lori (Steve) and Brian, Donnie and Melissa, Tracey, Amy (Chris) and Ryan (Lynnley).

The WE ARE FAMILY approach ran deep in Mama Myers' soul with all of her friends, her children's friends and all of her neighbors in Braddock, Monroeville, Youngstown, Liberty/Girard, and Copley/Akron areas becoming extended family. To Sue, Tara, Brian, Bunny, Lori, Mike, Bee, Nolan - family gatherings may have started late, but she endlessly enjoyed the good food, the best desserts and even better company. Thank you all for embracing her beautiful light and letting her shine so brightly.

While she may not always arrive on time, Chris always arrived in style and was there for those she loved. Becoming "Gamma" elevated her life in ways that forever changed her spunky disposition and added another layer of proud grandmotherly love. Her insistence on family traditions will carry her kindred spirit forward.

To honor her memory, the family humbly requests that you take a moment to send a handwritten note and spread Mama Myers' love in the world. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The LeBron James Family Foundation to continue uplifting her community and supporting the families she held so dear.

Please join us in celebrating her life on Saturday, June 6 with calling hours from 9:30am-11:30am at Hummel Funeral Home in Fairlawn (2800 W. Market Street) followed by Mass at St. Hilary Parish (2750 W. Market Street) at 12:00PM. Burial and luncheon immediately following.

The family sends a heartfelt thank you to the Cleveland Clinic Hospice team who poured all of the care, comfort and compassion she had given to so many patients right back into her. And to anyone that was a part of her incredible journey for the past seven plus decades, the family is indebted with gratitude for your help in molding the amazing mother, grandmother, neighbor and friend Christine Jakiela-Myers always will be.