Mary Ann Ballinger

Mary Ann passed away on January 16, 2024. She was born in Springfield Tsp. on November 25, 1947. She was born to the late Marion and Peggy Bair and was predeceased by two of her three brothers. She is survived by her husband; Jay, daughters; Jessica & Caitlin, brother; David (Jackie), nephews; Zachary & Stephen.

Mary Ann was a strong and determined person. At the end of her first week in kindergarden she announced to her parents that she wanted to be a teacher when she grew up. This is exactly what she did, never having faltered from her original declaration. She graduated from Kent State University and was hired to teach high school English in the Tallmadge School System. She went on to earn her Masters Degree also at Kent State and taught at Tallmadge for 35 years. She believed in countenance of kind and firm, creativity and dependability. Along with her English classes she taught creative writing and was the faculty advisor for the school yearbook. She also was a champion of the establishment of the new, at the time, Title 9 program for equality in sports for women. She campaigned for this cause for many years. She did all this while raising two beautiful daughters.

Upon retirement Mary Ann the concentrated on her creative side. She modestly involved herself in metal working for jewelery, print making and many other lines of creativity.

The bad of her life: having to grade English papers written by students with bad pensmenship.

The good of her life: she loved her job, her family, her creativity, travel, and retirement.

She will be missed!!

In lieu of flowers Mary Ann requested considering a donation of the "Summit Art Space" located at 140 Market St. Akron, OH 44308 and at www.summitartspace.org.

There will be a celebration of Mary Anne's life on February 10, 2024 at 2pm at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Akron 3300 Morewood Rd. Akron, OH 44333.