Anita Byrd

Anita Byrd , 68 of Naples, Florida passed away peacefully on August 13, 2022 in Akron, Ohio after a courageous two year battle. She was born on August 3, 1954 in Mt. Vernon, Ohio.

She is survived by her husband of 46 years, Vincent Byrd. She is also survived by her best friend and daughter Whitney and Alex Mazzenga (nee Byrd); her parents Dorothy and Charles Cochran; siblings Glenna Hilling, Mark Cochran and Kendra Lavan; brothers in law and sisters in law Jud and Suzy Byrd, Brad and Cathy Byrd and Chris and Gail Byrd.

A graduate of the University of Akron, Anita volunteered for many school and hospital fundraising events and owned a knitting store on the historical Medina square. She and her family had the opportunity to live in Ohio, California, Australia and Florida, and Anita quickly made friends wherever she went. Anita was an accomplished needle pointer and loved to share her talent with her friends. She also enjoyed fitness, golf and reading. Anita was truly beautiful inside and out and her unwavering positive attitude, courage and everlasting grace will always be remembered. The family wants to thank “Anita’s Army” for the support and prayers during her two year journey - the cards, emails and texts brought a smile to her face everyday. We also want to acknowledge the tremendous care given by the Cleveland Clinic over the past two years.

Family and friends may visit from 5-8 PM on Friday August 19, 2022 and from 10:00-11:30 AM on Saturday August 20, 2022 at the Billow Funeral Home 85 N. Miller Rd. Fairlawn, Ohio 44333. A private family graveside service will be held at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in memory of Anita to the charity of your choice or to Cleveland Clinic’s Rose Ella Burkhardt Brain Tumor and Neuro-Oncology Center for Patient Care and Research Endeavors. Gifts can be sent to Cleveland Clinic Foundation, PO Box 931517, Cleveland, Ohio 44193-1655 or made online at give.ccf.org/honmem.

Services in care of The Billow Funeral Homes & Crematory, Fairlawn Chapel, 85 N Miller Road  Akron, OH  44333.