Frances Schersing

Fran Schersing left this world peacefully on Wednesday evening, surrounded by family. And if you knew her, you know that she doesn't want you to make a big fuss about it. Even before her days as homecoming queen at Akron's North High School (class of 1954), she wasn't much for a lot of attention and fanfare directed her way. Attention was unavoidable at times, though, because to meet her was to be charmed by her beauty, her wit, her open and easy conversation. Fran was selfless but assertive, opinionated but not judgmental. She was endlessly generous and helpful, and she was loving and supportive toward her family and people from all walks of life. Many of these qualities, as well as her subtle and clever sense of humor, have been adopted by members of her family, and are sure to live on. Fran loved learning and talking about new ideas every day of her 80 years. She also loved bargains, sunny Florida beaches, and penny slot machines, and even had a secret talent for making incredible pastel portraits of her family members. Fran lived all of her life in Akron and Cuyahoga Falls, and will be missed by a great many in the community there.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Sally Gulbis, and her daughter, Debra (Keith) Koloniar. She is survived by her beloved husband of 60 years, Joe Schersing, as well as her daughters Brenda Nelson and Christy Schersing, her son-in-law, Jim Nelson, her grandchildren, Ryan (Beth) Nelson, Cheryl (RaA�l) Nelson, Heather (Nick) Branham, Kevin Koloniar, Amanda Dardenne, Melissa Dardenne, and Jessica Koloniar, as well as several great-grandchildren, extended family members, and many friends. In keeping with her wishes, her family will have a small private memorial in the coming months. You can honor her by heaping an extra spoonful onto your plate, and laughing with your loved ones. And you can picture her up above, dancing away to Polka records. Services entrusted to Clifford-Shoemaker Funeral Home and Crematory, 330-928-2147.