Rebecca Jean (Smith) Kane

Rebecca Jean (Smith) Kane, age 98 of Jackson Twp, passed away early Sunday, March 27, 2022. Jean was a member of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Parish and a 1942 graduate of Barberton High School. Jean was a life long homemaker who loved to read, play Jeopardy and take walks. Born in Akron to the late Levi and Hazel Smith (Shaw), she was preceded in death by her husband Frank J. Kane and is survived by her children Kathleen (Robert) Hoover of Licking County Ohio, Karen (Bernie) Gmerek of Jackson Twp, Connie (David) Benner of Jackson Twp, James P. (Barbara) Kane of Cuyahoga Falls, 10 grandchildren; Denice (Tim) Ryan, Rick Rodgers, Tracy Rodgers, Angela (Tim) Manley, Benjamin Gmerek, Adam Benner, Timothy (Christina) Benner, Ryan (Hayley) Kane, Kristen Kane, Drew Kane, 15 great grandchildren; Mackenzie Ryan, Rachael Ryan, Chase Rodgers, Casey Rodgers, Mia Rodgers, Joe Rodgers, Jordan Rodgers, Nathan Rodgers, Maurice Allen, Lincoln Benner, Lillian Jean Benner, Logan Kane, Maxwell Kane, Elijah Kane and Harper, along with brother James Clifford Smith of San Antonio, Tx , and sister Helen Flickinger of Barberton OH., many nieces and nephews.

Jean (affectionately known as Jean, Jean the Dancing Machine) was a devoted mother, grandmother and great grandmother not only to her own family, but her children’s friends as well. Grandma Jean was known for her cooking skills and would have a fresh plate of brownies, banana bread or cherry pie waiting for her grandchildren whenever they visited. Her Sunday dinners of roast beef and mashed potatoes were a staple for her children growing up. Christmas dinner was the highlight of the season as the family enjoyed Grandma Jean’s famous lasagna. Not to be forgotten is the bottomless candy dish on her living room coffee table. She was an avid reader and exerciser and made many friends in her daily walks at Belden Village Mall. Most of all she enjoyed the company of friends and family. Family and friends will be received on Thursday from 9:45 to 10:45 am at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Parish in Canton, Ohio with a Mass of Christian burial to follow at 11:00 am, Rev. Fr. Benson Okpara celebrant. Jean was a cancer survivor, therefore the family requests in lieu of flowers memorial donations be made to the American Cancer Society.

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