Mary Kathryn Booth

Mary Kathryn Booth (nee Wilson) 92, passed away Tuesday, September 6, 2016.

Born June 3, 1924 in Akron to Arthur Stanley and Joanna Agnes (nee MacDonald) Wilson. Mary was educated in Akron graduating from Garfield High School and the University of Akron where she earned a degree in Sociology. She received the Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Akron. She married Charles Edward Booth June 5, 1947. Mary began her career as a social worker at The Catholic Service League and later Family and Children Services of Summit County now Greenleaf Family Center. As a social worker, she placed babies for adoption, and developed programs that assisted families in all stages of life including first time parents, single mothers, deaf parents, and empty nesters. She also hosted a radio program that addressed topics related to families and children. Throughout her life, Mary was involved in many volunteer activities including PTA, The Girl Scouts, Akron Children's Hospital where she assisted children in the recovery room, visited patients in Hospice Care, and served on the Akron General Women's Board. Even as a resident at The Village of St Edward, Mary helped welcome new residents. Most important in Mary's life was her role as wife and mother.

She and Charles were married for 66 years before his death in 2013. She is survived by her six children, Martha Booth, Kathryn Booth, Patricia Benchea, Susan (Michael) Pallini, Joan (Kurt) Weitendorf, Chip (Vicki) Booth; grandchildren, Matthew (Lauren) Pallini, Laura (Aaron) Turner-Phifer, Julie Benchea, Brian (Lindsey) Booth, Tyler Booth, Spencer Booth, and Sydney Booth; her sister, Joan (Robert) Nau; sister -in law, Teresa Wilson, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Anne; brother, Jack; son-in-law, John Benchea, and husband, Charles Booth. In addition to her family, Mary fostered many friendships throughout her life some of which spanned more than 70 years. Mary touched countless lives through her compassion, constant love and support. She will be deeply missed.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. FRIDAY at St. Hilary Church, 2750 W. Market St. Interment at Rose Hill Burial Park. Friends may call at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd., THURSDAY from 5 to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Mary K. Booth Fund of the Akron Community Foundation, 345 Cedar St, Akron, Ohio 44307; The St Edwards Foundation, vsecommunities.org 3131 Smith Rd. Fairlawn, Ohio 44333; Cleveland Clinic Akron General Hospital Visiting Nurse Hospice Services, #1 Home Care Place Akron, Ohio 44320. (Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)