Mary Jane "Janie" (Volk) Longfellow

Mary Jane Longfellow (Volk), 83, recently of North Canton, formerly of New Franklin, Ohio, peacefully gained her independence from this world on July 4, 2021 at the Cleveland Clinic Justin T. Rogers Hospice Care Center, Fairlawn, Ohio, surrounded by her loving family.  Mary Jane, also known as Janie, was born January 16, 1938 in Massillon, Ohio to the late Nicholas and Mary Ann Volk (Juersivich). She had been a resident of Melody Village for 60 years.

Mary Jane received an associate degree from the University of Akron, and in 1997 retired from the Babcock & Wilcox Co, Barberton, after 30 years.  She loved music, crafting, cooking, and baking, especially with her family. She was an active member of the Norton Music Boosters in the ‘70’s and continued to support them to the present. Mary Jane crocheted blankets, booties and outfits for all the family’s weddings, and new babies; as well as for the babies in the neonatal unit at Akron Children’s Hospital. She made dozens of quilts for hospitalized veterans.  A legendary event was the Annual Christmas Cookie Bake, which included her famous ricotta ball cookies and nut roll cookies. Other favorite pastimes/adventures included golfing, bowling, camping, traveling, cards, and casinos with Jim, her best friend and husband of 62 years.  Mary Jane was a member of St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church via St. George’s in Clinton; K.I.S.S. Quilt Guild (Keep It Simple SEWers) and the NEORQC-North East Ohio Regional Quilters Council. Family was her life, and her home was always open for visits and gatherings.

Mary Jane was a true survivor, overcoming four separate cancer battles, and numerous recent medical issues. We will always remember her resilience and deep-rooted faith that never failed her throughout her life.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by infant daughter, Suzanne Marie; sister, June Miller (Volk); brothers Howard Volk and Dale Volk.  Mary Jane is survived by her loving, devoted husband, Jim; sister, Joanne Wesley; children, Michael (Jennifer) Longfellow; and Timothy (Donna) Longfellow; grandchildren, Phoenix (Brandon) Cornwell; Allegra (Jonathon) McFadden; Christopher (Jeweli) Longfellow; Madison (Ryan) Peters; Gray Longfellow; 9 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Special thank you to Karla Schultz, CNP at Cleveland Clinic Akron General, and Hospice Nurses Leslie and Darlene for their outstanding compassion and care in Mary Jane’s last days; and to the staff at Sanctuary Grande in North Canton for their care and friendship since October 2020.

Friends may call at the Swigert Easterling Funeral Home, 624 E. Cherry St., (Rt.93) Canal Fulton on Tuesday, July 13, from 5 to 7 pm.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, July 14 at 10 am at St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church, 4022 Johnson Rd., Norton. Interment at Greenlawn Cemetery, 2580 Romig Road, Akron

To honor Mary Jane’s life, donations may be made in her name to the Norton Music Boosters, PO Box 1335, Norton, OH 44203.

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