Dorothy Petzker

Dorothy Ann Petzker (nee Simon), was born February 5th, 1935 in Barberton, Ohio to Joseph and Rose Simon. She passed away peacefully at home on October 30th, under the glow of the Christmas tree, set up early due to her love of Christmas.

She was a graduate of Barberton High School, class of 1953. After graduation, she worked at Babcock & Wilcox for a few years, and soon after she met the love of her life, Albert. They married in April 1956, had a family of 8 children and a marriage that spanned 68 years.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, sister Eleanor, husband Albert, infant son John and son-in-law Bruce.

She is survived by her children: Frank (Nadine), Michael, Katherine, Stephen, Joseph (Anne), Barbara and Theresa. She also leaves her brother Jerome (Jerry) and sister-in-law Donna. Also, surviving are seven grandchildren: Stefanie, Jennifer, Joshua, Sarah, Sean, Amanda and Diana and nine wonderful great grandchildren who called her GG, along with many loving nieces and nephews.

She loved raising her family. In Dorothy's own words, " It was an adventure, especially when you have two special needs children!"

Her interests and talents were many. She loved baking, sewing, canning, quilting, crocheting, building puzzles, playing cards, especially 6 handed euchre and celebrating her Hungarian heritage. She enjoyed dancing the csardas and polkas and making chicken paprikash, which was the best! In 2018, she enjoyed the trip of her lifetime! She went to Hungary and cruised the Danube River with her daughter Kathy and two of her very dear nieces Geralyn and Jean.

Dorothy was a proud member of her parish, Visitation of Mary, where she belonged to the Rosary Makers, St. Anne's Guild and was a Eucharist Minister.

Dorothy was an enthusiastic advocate for the special needs community. She championed the Weaver Sports Booster Club, the Association for the Retarded Citizens and Special Olympics. In 1993, her daughter Theresa, represented the United States in the Special Olympics World Games in Salzburg Austria, winning two gold medals in figure skating. Dorothy attended countless fundraisers for the Booster Club and parental support groups. She made lifelong friends, her dearest of which being Barb and Jayann.

She will always be remembered for her sense of humor, her comforting hugs, beautiful smile, generosity of time, unwavering faith, strength, loyalty to family and friends and the love she shared unconditionally. She was a wonderful wife, sister, mother, grandmother and GG to her family and a loyal friend to many. She will be greatly missed.

Rest in peace. May the Eternal light shine upon you forever!

Friends and family may call Tuesday, November 4 from 9:30-11am at Visitation of Mary Parish, 55 Broad St. Akron, Ohio 44305 with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11am. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery.