Jacqueline June (Smith) Shama

Jackie Shama, born as Jacqueline June Smith to Richard and Zelda Smith, passed away too soon at the age of 96, on April 21, 2021. She died at home, where she wanted to be, surrounded by her three daughters, immediately after they all recited the Lord's Prayer.

Jackie was born in Akron, Ohio, on June 28, 1924, and resided at her home in Fairlawn for 58 years. A graduate of Kenmore High School, she was proud to have worked as a "Rosie the Riveter" during World War II at Goodyear Aircraft in Akron. She also worked at Ohio Bell as a telephone operator. However, her greatest and most beloved career was as a wife to Attorney A.E. Shama and a mother to their three daughters. When asked what she did, she teasingly said, "I'm a cook, nurse, and chauffeur for an attorney and his three daughters." She was a wonderful cook, and shared her talents at St. George Orthodox Church in the Ladies' Society.

She was incredibly generous and kind, commonly giving her personal possessions to complete strangers. For years, she led a Bible study and dream interpretation group. Many said that her faith was an inspiration to them. She often took in strays, including people and animals. She fed the birds, and she often had wildlife critters munching in her yard! She loved to roller skate, and coached at a local skating rink for years. In March of this year, she even skated in her wheel chair! She enjoyed dancing with her husband and was proud when people around them would stop dancing just to watch them. She loved to ski, having taken up the sport at the age of 55. The family enjoyed more than 20 years of ski vacations in Colorado. Additionally, she enjoyed boating, bowling, and attending live theatre. One of her greatest attributes was her fun-loving spontaneity. She was always ready for an adventure, be it a small one such as taking a ride through the park, or a big one, such as taking a trip to the Rockies or Yosemite. She celebrated her 95th birthday with her first trip to Disney World, where she danced with the African percussion group!

Jackie is survived by her three daughters Deborah (Steven) Shama-Davis, Ph.D., Attorney Cynthia Shama, and music educator Kimberly (Thomas) Shama-Hanna, all of Akron; her six grandchildren Shannon (Ryan) Holtmann, Bri Roberts, Alyse-Ambriel Hanna, Amanda (Adam) Vigneault, Jason (Rachel) Davis, and Matt Davis; and her five great-grandchildren Sierra, Eli, and Adelynn Holtmann, and Aria and Ayla Vigneault; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 54 years, Attorney Assad (Ossie) E. Shama, as well as her parents and brother Kenneth.

The family will receive friends Sunday April 25, 5-7 p.m. at the Kucko-Anthony-Kertesz Funeral Home, 1990 S. Main St., Akron, with Trisagion services at 6. Masks and social distancing required. The family will also receive friends on Monday April 26, at 10 a.m. at St. George Orthodox Church, 3204 Ridgewood Rd in Fairlawn, followed by funeral services at 11 a.m., with Very Rev. Fr. John Alassaf officiating. Entombment will be held at Mt. Peace Cemetery following services.