Vilma G. Merendino, 87, passed away December 29, 2014.

Vilma was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Samuel. Vilma and Sam met January 28, 1951 at an Italian dance, were engaged two weeks later on Valentine's Day, married four months later on June 28th and were blessed with 11 children, 17 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. They were separated temporarily on May 30, 2014 only to be reunited December 29, 2014. Theirs was the greatest love story ever. A lifelong resident of Akron, Vilma raised her family in the same North Hill home in which she was raised.

After graduating from Sacred Heart Academy as president of her class, Vilma worked at S.S. Kresge as the photo booth operator, taking memorable photos of customers, and lovely photos of herself. Before dedicating her life to raising her family, she also worked at B.F. Goodrich in the payroll department, a job of which she was most proud. For over 15 years Vilma was the coordinator of the St. Martha Italian Dancers, sewing the costumes herself and teaching original Italian dances which were performed throughout northeast Ohio.Vilma's family loved and adored her; she was the glue that kept the family together. She was fun loving, had a heartfelt laugh, and a smile for everyone. Vilma was happiest when she was either holding a child or with child herself. When seeing another mother-to-be she would share that she'd "gladly take her place if she could."

Vilma was kind and loving, opened her home to everyone, and often set an extra place at the table for whomever might stop by to enjoy her pizza, spaghetti sauce, breads, and desserts. She loved music, dancing, cooking, teaching, and playing cards. Vilma was an avid New York Yankee fan…much to the dismay of her husband…who was not. She was a lifelong member and Eucharistic Minister of Blessed Trinity Church (St. Martha), was highly involved with Right to Life of Summit County as Corresponding Secretary, and was a tireless fighter for the rights of the unborn. Vilma will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Vilma was preceded in death by her parents, Filomena (Mandrone) and Angelo Rossi; daughter-in-law, Jennifer; her seven brothers, sisters and their spouses, and two brothers-in-law. She is survived by her sons and daughters, Frank, Filomena, MaryAnn (Allan), Sammy (Georgia), Paul (Ann), Tina (Mark), Tom (Lisa), Rose (Jason), David (Aimee), Danny, and Angelo; 17 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; and her many in-laws, nieces, nephews, Godchildren and friends near and far.

Special thanks are extended to Drs. Daniel Steidl, Stephen Heupler and David Miller, and the nurses and staff of Akron General Medical Center and Edwin Shaw Rehabilitation Center.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Habitat for Humanity of Summit County, 2301 Romig Road, Akron, OH 44320.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Blessed Trinity Church, 300 E. Tallmadge Ave., Akron. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. Friends will be received from 2 to 7 p.m. Friday at Hennessy Funeral Home (corner of York and Main), 552 N. Main St., Akron.