Nancy Jean Firestone, 86, born July 24, 1934, passed away April 26, 2021 after battling advanced COPD. She was born in Sapulpa, Oklahoma while her mother was caring for her dying father. His last words were “isn’t she pretty!” upon seeing his new granddaughter. Nancy Graduated from Lehman High school in 1952. She was a gifted extemporaneous speaker and placed first in original oratory at the State of Ohio speech tournament. She then later was awarded the Cherub Summer Scholarship program at Northwestern University for speech and drama. While attending Northwestern, she competed on the debate team and was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority.
Nancy was a dedicated lifetime volunteer for the Junior League of Akron. At the Junior League, she utilized her theatre talent to create the puppet show with the popular character “Freddie the Frog.” Her active volunteerism led to a full-time paid position with the Ohio Department of Youth Services for 25 years. She worked passionately and diligently as Volunteer Coordinator and Foster Care Specialist, assisting delinquent youth with their court volunteer requirements and placing them in the right foster care environments.
Nancy was the life of a party, with an infectious laugh, vast vocabulary, firecracker personality, and chef-like cooking skills. She was married for 67 years to the love of her life, John Firestone. She and “Johnny” enjoyed ballroom dancing (always attracting an audience), traveling the U.S.A. in “Winnie”, traveling to Europe, Alaska and Hawaii, water skiing at Torch Lake, Michigan and Lake Mohawk, Ohio. Nancy loved golf, practiced putting in her living room, and was 2007 flight champion at Oakwood Country Club. She and John were 50-year members at Oakwood and Myerlee Country Club in Ft. Myers, Florida. Nancy is survived by her husband, John, children, Karen Firestone, Tom (Rachelle) Firestone, Steve Firestone, and Kay (Greg) Matherly, eight adored grandchildren, sister Marilyn (Dick) King, brother Bill (Cindy) Bethel, sister-in-law, Lee Dunne, many loved nieces, nephews, cousins and lifelong friends. The family would like to appreciate the dedicated and caring Nursing Staff of Aultman Hospital, Canton. Donations in Nancy’s name can be made to Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio. A private graveside service will be held for immediate family. Please sign the guest book.
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