Barbara Raikin Fleischer, age 81, of North Canton passed away Thursday afternoon, January 21, 2016 in her residence. She was born July 5, 1934 in Buffalo, New York to Marvin and Eleanor (Neff) Raikin and moved to Canton with her parents when she was six weeks old. Barbara attended Lehman High School where she graduated in 1952. She was active in acapella choir and was on the school newspaper staff (The Lehman Journal) where she wrote a column "Raik'n the news by Barb. Barbara attended The Ohio State University. It was at this time she met the love of her life Frank Fleischer, co-owner of Fleischer Shoes, a long time Family Shoe Store in Canton. They married in 1955 and brought three sons into the world, Richard (Merle) Fleischer, Randall Craig (Heidi) Fleischer, James (Alison) Fleischer; six grandchildren, Aaron (Diana) Fleischer, Abbie Fleischer, Ethan, Spencer and Madison Fleischer and Michaela Joyce Fleischer. After her family was raised, she went back to school at Kent State University and got her degree when she was 52 years old.

Barbara was an active member of Temple Israel in Canton having been a long time member of the Board of Directors and was a long time member of the Volunteer Choir. She was president of Temple Sisterhood for two years and Area Three Sisterhood Director. She was vice president of Canton Chapter of Hadassah (life time member of Hadassah) and vice president of Brandeis Women's Organization. Barbara was active with the "Green Circle" program whose object was to create fellowship and understanding among third graders in the Canton City School System.

Barbara graduated from Kent State University with a BS degree. She was employed by the Department of Rehabilitations and Corrections, the Adult Parole Authority for ten years.

Barbara was active and participated in Town Hall on Race Relations which is now "Coming Together Stark County." She was a mentor along with her husband at Belle Stone School under the Wheelbarrow Program. She was an author having written short stories, poems and a children's book.

Other survivors include a sister and brother-in law, Marilyn and Joseph Jacobson; nieces and nephews, Scott Jacobson, Dr. Don and Judy Marx , Dr. Robert Fleischer, Robert and Lauri Ross and numerous great and great, great nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be Wednesday 11:00 a.m. at Temple Israel, 432-30th St NW with Rabbi Jon Adland and Rabbi John Spitzer officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are requested to Coming Together Stark County c/o Goodwill, 408 9th St. SW, Canton, Ohio 44707; the Frank and Barbara Fleischer Community Caring Fund, c/o of Temple Israel, 432-30th St NW, Canton Ohio 44709 or Aultman Hospice, 2821 Woodlawn Ave NW, Canton, Ohio 44708.

The family would also like to thank Heavenly Hearts Home Health Care and the nurse aids who provided such wonderful care including Daphne, Stephanie and Sierra, Aultman Hospice nurse Joyce and massotherapist Marie.

(Arnold-Canton 330-456-7291)

www.arnoldfuneralhome.com