Ann Nikirk

Ann Marie Nikirk (née Porpora), age 57, was called home to join her Heavenly Father on June 23, 2025, following a courageous and prolonged battle with cancer.
Born in Akron, Ohio, Ann was the beloved daughter of Patricia and the late Charles Porpora. She graduated from Archbishop Hoban High School in 1986 and earned her degree from Kent State University in 1990, after which she relocated to Texas to begin the next chapter of her life.
Throughout her life, Ann served in numerous roles with grace and dedication: educator, artist, published photographer, entrepreneur, wife, daughter, neighbor, friend, and-most cherished of all-a devoted mother.
A lifelong Catholic, Ann was a faithful member of St. Mary Catholic Church. Her unwavering faith and generous spirit inspired all who knew her. She was a charter member of the Preston Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and had a deep passion for genealogy. She took great joy in reconnecting distant/lost relatives and meticulously documenting gravesites to assist others in tracing their ancestry.
Ann embraced life with enthusiasm and curiosity. She found joy in biking, painting, sewing, crafting, and exploring the outdoors. A passionate traveler, she chronicled her adventures on her Facebook page, which stands as a vivid record of her journeys. Even in her final months, she continued to pursue her dreams, fulfilling bucket-list experiences such as witnessing the northern lights in Norway, swimming with manatees, and walking the holy grounds of Medjugorje. Her guiding phrase, "Say yes," is a lasting reminder to embrace life fully and fearlessly. A verse that aptly reflects her spirit is found in 2 Timothy: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."
Ann was preceded in death by her father, Charles, and her brother, Steve. She is survived by her loving mother, Patricia; her brothers, Michael (Lori) and Mark; and her cherished daughters, Madeleine and Julianne.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Anne Catholic Church in Texas. Local visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Anthony Funeral Home, Akron Chapel, 1990 S. Main Street, Akron, Ohio 44301.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice in Ann's memory. (Anthonyfh.com)