Mary Ann Lemmo

Mary Ann “Mare” (Cerrato) Lemmo of Canton, OH, died at the age of 73 on April 11, 2023, after her battle with cancer. Mare was born to Joe and Pauline (Concato) Cerrato on February 27, 1950. She was a lifelong resident of Canton, attending St. Paul Grade School and Timken Vocational High School (Class of ‘68). Before she married the love of her life, Ronald Lemmo, on May 18, 1974, Ron insisted on a year-long courtship. Because of his involvement in various sports year-round, he wanted to make sure Mare knew what she was getting into. Together they raised their four children to be strong and independent individuals, but not too strong-willed to argue with them. Throughout their marriage and friendship they enjoyed dancing, watching TV and movies, and arguing about the TV volume. Mare’s passion was her family, and found immense joy in being a wife, mother, and (great)grandmother. She was happiest when she was spending time with any of her family.

Mare was a creative spirit who enjoyed sewing, knitting, reading, and many other artistic pursuits. She was fascinated by science, she valued all forms of education, she was a champion of justice and equality, and she loved watching baseball, especially the Cleveland Guardians. She and Ron shared many fun times watching baseball, at the stadium or on TV. Whenever her children asked her what she wanted for Christmas, she’d reply, “World peace.” Fluent in sarcasm, movie quotes, and four letter words, Mare was never at a loss for what to say in any given situation. She was known for telling it like it is.

Mare is preceded in death by her parents, whom she credited for setting an excellent example of a happy marriage. She leaves behind a wacky family that shared her zany sense of humor and she was very proud of: her husband of nearly 49 years, Ron Lemmo, her son Gary (Holly) Lyon, daughter Tennille (Tyreek) King, daughter Rachel (Justin) Joy, and son Aaron (Meagan) Lemmo; 17 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Anthony Cerrato, sister Jean Marion, sister Nancy (Maceo) Williams, sister Susan (John) James, brother Michael Cerrato, and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her family, she is survived by her “Ya Yas”—the women with whom she shared a deep (and slightly codependent) friendship and sisterhood since 1964.

The family would like to thank Dr. Sareena Singh and her oncology team, as well as the entire staff at Aultman Woodlawn Compassionate Care Center, for their excellent care and kindness throughout Mare’s battle.

A celebration of life will be held at AA Executive Event Center (5211 W Tuscarawas St, Canton, 44708) on Saturday, April 22, 2023 from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Because of Mare’s love of rocks and crystals, please bring a rock or crystal to the celebration to contribute to a memorial rock garden.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a charity that Ron and Mare have supported for many years.

ROSSI (330)492-5830

www.rossifuneralhomeinc.com

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