Esther Simonetti Owen

Esther Simonetti Owen

Esther Simonetti Owen, 101, passed away December 2, 2018. She was born on October 7, 1917 in Akron, Ohio to Jack and Jennie Simonetti and graduated from North High School and the University of Akron, where she received her bachelor's and master's degrees in education. She was married to Harry Owen, who died in 2008.

Her passion for education led her to a career with the Akron Public Schools that spanned more than 40 years. Starting as a teacher, she continued her career as a principal, Director of Supplemental Services, and Director of Elementary Education. After her "retirement" in 1980, she continued to be involved in education for the next 15 years. She taught at Kent State and the University of Akron, supervised student teachers, reviewed textbook series, and traveled the country presenting teacher workshops.

She was generous with her time and talents, and held leadership positions in education honorary organizations, the Akron Women's City Club, and the YMCA.

Esther was extremely proud of her immediate and extended family, and thanked God daily for a life she believed was filled with blessings. She was a kind, compassionate, and loving mother and grandmother, and will be remembered for her strong faith and work ethic and her positive attitude. She enjoyed square dancing, bowling, travel, bridge, and people. She was most recently a resident at Arden Courts of Bath where she was cared for with kindness by many staff members.

She is survived by her daughter, Joanne (Ron) Pryor; granddaughters, Jessica (Connor) McGee and Caitlin (Jared) Dammann; great grandchildren, Owen, Finn and Ava; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a brother, Dr. Frank Simonetti and sister, Carmel D'Andre.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9:30 a.m. FRIDAY, December 7th at St Sebastian Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. THURSDAY, December 6th at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd. If desired, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or one of the scholarships established in her name: Esther Simonetti Owen Future Educators Scholarship, Akron Community Foundation, 345 W. Cedar St., Akron 44307; Esther Simonetti Owen Scholarship Endowment, St. Sebastian Parish, 476 Mull Ave., Akron 44320; or Esther S. Owen Scholarship Endowment in Elementary Education, University of Akron, 302 Buchtel Common, Akron 44325. (Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)