STEPHANY SHANOSKI

Stephany (Rajca) Shanoski died on November 16, 2024 in Akron, Ohio.

Stephany was born at home in Montreal in July of 1938. The exact date was unclear: the birth certificate and baptismal records recorded different dates, and in Quebec, each is equally valid. Making the best of it, we had fun celebrating two birthdays. She was born Stefania, but the French nuns decided her first name was “Stephany.” And the nuns were never wrong.

Stephany went to college at McGill University, earning a degree in Library Science.

Her dear friend Lydia introduced her to her brother Henry, whom she married in 1965. They moved to Akron, where he worked as a Research Chemist with General Tire in Akron, Ohio. Stephany worked for the Akron Law Library Association, eventually rising to the position of Head Librarian. They had a son, Paul, and Stephany became a stay at home mom. When Paul was a teen she rejoined the workforce. Stephany first sold cemetery plots. She later found her groove selling jewelry; she particularly enjoyed telling customers which add-ons the store required her to offer were worth it, and which were not. Few were.

In her later years, Stephany settled into her favorite joys in life: family, friends, books, gardening, whiskey, and open toed sandals. She also enjoyed volunteering at St. Hilary Church. She was most joyous laughing with her sisters. And with the four of them, there was always something to laugh about. 

She was preceded in death by her husband Henry, her sister Helen, and her brothers-in-law Leo and Walter. She is survived by her son, Paul; daughter-in-law, Joanna; cherished granddaughter, Cassie; sisters, Genny and Jane; sister-in-law, Lydia, and many nieces and nephews. 

She’ll be missed by all of us. She always gave the best advice with great humor.

If you’d like to raise a glass to her, she made her Manhattans with plenty of ice, 3 parts red vermouth, and one part rye whiskey. But bourbon will do just fine. Add a maraschino cherry and a splash of juice and stir. Let the drink sit for a minute so the ice can melt a bit.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to a charity of your choice would be appreciated.

Calling Hours will be on FRIDAY, January 17, 2025 from 5-8 PM at Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd, Akron, OH 44333. Memorial Mass 10 AM SATURDAY, January 18 at St. Hilary Church, 2750 W. Market St, Fairlawn, OH 44333. 

Services in care of Billow Funeral Homes and Crematory, Fairlawn Chapel 85 N. Miller Rd. Akron, OH 44333