Marianne Blankenship

Marianne Elise Blankenship, 61, entered into eternal life on February 13th after a brief illness surrounded by her loving family.  She was welcomed into Heaven by her father Antony Kaneas who preceded her 23 years ago.

She leaves to mourn her passing her beloved husband of 40 years Don, and their adoring sons Justin and Jordan; her loving mother Jane Kaneas; dear sister Melanie Kaneas; brother and sister-in-law Tony and Mary Kaneas;  brothers-in-law David and Douglas Blankenship; sister-in-law Debbie Blankenship; many nieces, nephews and a host of other  relatives and friends.   Family was her greatest love and she tried desperately to stay, but God has His greater plans.

Marianne was a graduate of Tallmadge High School, received an Associate Degree in Secretarial Science from the University of Akron and attended Kent State University. She retired with 30 years' service from Kent State University as Coordinator of Administration / Business Management. Upon relocating to Charlotte she joined Charlotte Regional Partnership as Manager, Finance & Investor Relations.

Loving wife, caring mother, and devoted daughter, Marianne's sparkling personality and friendly smile endeared her to many long-time friends and associates.  She had a zest for life, loved the beauty of nature, and her beautiful flowers; all puppies and kittens, the owls that haunted her back yard trees and long walks on the ocean beach collecting seashells and feeding the seagulls.  She was a talented decorator and her home was filled with unique touches of her creativity.

Her life was a blessing

Her memory a treasure

She was loved beyond words

And missed beyond measure

May her memory be eternal

Visitation will be 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 17, 2016 at Donovan Funeral Home, 17 Southwest Ave, (on the Historic Tallmadge Circle), where a Trisagion Service will be at 7:00 p.m.

Funeral Services will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday, February 18, 2016 at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 129 S Union St, Akron, Ohio with Fr. Jerry Hall and Fr. Andrew Lentz officiating.

Interment will be held at Mount Peace Cemetery, Akron, OH.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to:

Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church Building Fund, 129 S Union Street, Akron, OH 44304