RACHEL MEREDITH FISHER RENKERT Rachel Meredith Fisher Renkert, 69, who graced us with her sparkling brown eyes and absolute commitment to family and community, died at home in Canton, Ohio on Wednesday, November 14, 2007, after a long illness. The daughter of Herman Guy Fisher and Suzanne Greist Fisher, Rachel was born and raised in East Aurora, New York and spent summers throughout her life in the Thimble Islands near Stony Creek, Connecticut. She graduated from Chatham Hall, a preparatory school for girls, in 1956, and with honors from Smith College in 1960. Rachel returned to school in her early 40's, graduating first in her class in 1984 from the executive MBA program at Case Western Reserve University's Weatherhead School. Following her graduation from Smith College, Rachel married J. Steven Renkert and adopted Canton Ohio as her home. Deeply involved in the community throughout her life, Rachel's relentless drive helped to influence and transform such institutions as the United Way, the American Symphony Orchestra League, Planned Parenthood of Stark County, the Cultural Center for the Arts, Blossom Music Center and the Canton Symphony Orchestra. Rachel recalled that, at the time she joined the board, the Canton Symphony was, for the most part, a local ensemble. Today, the CSO is widely recognized as a leading regional orchestra, and Rachel's involvement helped to bring about many events that reach audiences of all ages throughout northeast Ohio, including Kinder concerts, Amahl and the Night Visitors, and Concerts in the Park. In 2003 the Canton Symphony Orchestra established the Rachel Fisher Renkert Education and Outreach Fund in recognition of Rachel's dedication and achievements. An adept businesswoman, Rachel served as a director of Fisher-Price Toys in the early 1960's, and of Metropolitan Industries, Inc. from 1989 through 2004. In 1985, with Northeast Ohio in deep recession, Rachel's commitment to the greater Canton community took form in the founding of the Meredith Collection, Inc., a manufacturer of hand-made art tile. Her creative vision shaped the company's early product lines, drawing on arts and crafts-era and gardening themes. Under her guidance the Company grew to become a leader in the growing art tile business, creating jobs for local workers and artisans. Rachel is survived by her beloved husband of 47 years, J. Steven Renkert, three children and seven grandchildren: daughter Amelia Suzanne Renkert-Thomas and her daughters Meredith Anne and Beatrice Catherine, of Woodbridge, Connecticut; son Christopher Steven Renkert, his wife Melissa, and their children Jacob Steven, Sara Claire and Nina Elizabeth, of Norfolk, Connecticut, and son Guy Fisher Renkert, his wife Amy, and children Kolbe Elizabeth and Seth Burgis of Canton, Ohio. Rachel is also survived by her brother, John Burgis Fisher and his wife Judith, and her sister Susan Fisher Lavenstein and her husband Victor. Rachel wrote in a letter to her children "For life demands a conscience in each of us: to live, love and serve to the best of our abilities." We who loved her, and whose lives were touched by her, honor her memory and those thoughts. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, November 20, 2007, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 515 – 48th Street, NW in Canton, Ohio. Rachel's family asks that if a tribute is to be made that it be directed to the Canton Symphony Orchestra, Aultman Hospital Hospice Program, or a charitable organization of your choice. (Arnold, Canton 330-456-7291) www.arnoldfuneralhome.com