Maria Ganz

Maria Ganz passed away peacefully on August 23, 2026.

Born on August 30, 1936, in Drenje, Yugoslavia, Maria immigrated to the United States in 1956 with her husband, parents, and daughter.

A life-long homemaker, Maria was born with a passion for caring, cooking and baking. Her priorities were God, family, and food. Every Sunday consisted of Mass and a full dinner table.

Maria and her husband were founding members of the German Family Society, which originated at St. Bernard's and eventually moved to Brimfield. After Frank's passing, she spent countless hours volunteering in the kitchen, cooking food for events such as Europeanfest, Oktoberfest and numerous weddings.

During her great granddaughter's (Hayden) toddler years, Maria stayed young by taking her around town to McDonald's, the library, pet store and they even worked together at the German Family Society. Maria and Hayden were joined at the hip.

Maria was preceded in death by her parents, Josef and Maria (nee Gajger) Hirnikl, husband Frank Ganz, sister, Kathy Pum, brothers John Hirnikl, Peter Hirnikl, son Paul Ganz, son-in-law, John DiTomaso, and great granddaughter Avaeh Ganz.

Maria will be profoundly missed by her daughter Renate DiTomaso, son Frank (Alison) Ganz, grandchildren, Erika (Doug) DiTomaso-Baye, John Paul DiTomaso, Paul Michael (Lauren) Ganz, Karah Ganz, Katie Ganz, Jacob Miller, and Leah Miller, great grandchildren, Hayden Gerhart, Adalynn Head, Donta Lewis, Karson Lewis, Braedon Trussell, Elle Ganz, and many nieces, nephews, and loving friends.

The family would like to thank the dedicated nurses and aids at Bath Creek Estates and Summa Care Hospice for their compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Bernard's Hunger Programs, 44 University Avenue, Akron, OH, 44308.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, from 5-7PM at the Anthony and Dunn-Quigley Funeral Home, Akron Chapel, 1990 S Main St, in Akron. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10AM on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 44 University Ave in Akron. A graveside service will immediately follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Akron.