Kathleen A (Sherman) Labbate

I left this world in great protest, fighting and kicking all the way, but finally let go and moved on to what I hope is a better place on May 15, 2020. I was born October 12, 1944 in Akron, Ohio to Anthony (Tony) Sherman and Kathryn (Kate) Zema Sherman, both deceased. I graduated from Barberton High School in 1962, attended the University of Akron, was employed by the University of Akron, School of Law. I worked with various area attorneys during my career, where I learned firsthand how they indeed earned their reputations. There is only one true love in my life. I was so honored to know him and to know that we truly and deeply loved each other and made each other happy. He knew that he would hold my heart in his hands for ever because "the best is yet to be" and that kind of love goes on forever. As the song goes, " We had the right love at the wrong time". I wish it would rain every day - only he would know what that means. In reflection, I am quite proud of many things I have done during my life while at the same time, I have very few regrets. I am survived by my daughter, Deena Labbate-Geig and it was my greatest joy to be Grammy to three fabulous young men who made my life so well worth living, my eldest grandson, Steven Anthony Labbate-Hill, his father, Michael (stepmother, Denise); his halfbrother and half-sister, Jayce and Mckenna Hill of Massillon, Ohio; Stephen's younger brother, Dylan Thomas Geig, his father, Thomas (stepmother, Lori Swetlin-Geig) and her son, Ray Swetlin of Akron, Ohio and my

 
third grandson, Christian Labbate. It is my hope that Stephen and Dylan will fondly remember the omelets, pancakes, monster burgers, hikes, and walks around Lake Anna, our too few canoe trips and the mutual foot and back massages. My hope is that they knew and will remember how many times I sat under an umbrella in the sleet and rain to watch one grandson play football game or endured back pain while sitting on bleachers in a gym while another grandson sank basket after basket. As Grammy, I tried to teach my grandsons that everyone has disagreements at times, but only the strong and mature learn to agree to disagree. It is my sincere hope that they know that anyone in our family will help them time and time again unless they keep making the same mistakes over and over and do not learn from them - then they will be on their own. If they are not comfortable with who they see when they look in a mirror, they should know that changes need to be made and only they can make them. Be the man - be a gentle man, be caring, compassionate, committed to one true love when the time comes and always love more than you are loved. You should only touch a woman when you are holding hands, dancing or making love (and always do all three often). Be the best as far as your abilities take you and never be ashamed of falling - as long as you are strong enough to get back up. Someone wrote: A hundred years from now, it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in or the kind of car I drove… but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child ". I am survived by my brother, Anthony (Tony) (Monika Bieler) Sherman of Baldwin, Maryland; their children, daughter, Martina Sherman (Alan) Marrone their sons, Nicholas and Christopher Marrone of New Jersey, daughter, Dani ShermanMears and her husband Brian, her sons, Patrick and Collin McKay of Maryland;

 
sons, Eric (Jennifer Bahner) Sherman; their daughters, Madelyn ShermanMisuraca and her husband Sal; Emily and Hannah Sherman of Maryland and daughter, Nicole Sherman (Craig) Scarborough; their children, Evan, Jadyn and Riley Scarborough of Florida. Also surviving is my second brother, Philip (Phil) (Alyce Ferrell) Sherman of Barberton, Ohio; their children, son, Philip (Theresa Milinkovich) Sherman; their children, Lauren Sherman (Jon) Porter, their daughter, Payton and son, Weston; son, Anthony (Kristian Kowaleski) Sherman of Barberton, Ohio; son, Timothy (Lisa Moore) Sherman; their children, Hunter and Harper Sherman of Barberton, Ohio; daughter, Alyson Sherman (Rick) Cope, their son, Rick (Stephanie Ludwig) Cope; their daughters, Tinslee and Saylor Cope; Katie Cope (Tom) Henderson, their son, Lucas; daughter, Gina Sherman (Scott) Erwin of Westerville, Ohio; their children, Kaycee Erwin (Ben) Meister of Grove City, Ohio; Brittnee Erwin (Dan) Knipp, their sons, Kaden and Bradley of Delaware, Ohio and Corey Erwin of Westerville, Ohio. Because the Sherman and Zema families were so many in number, there are too many cousins (63 first cousins) and other relatives to mention by name; but I held them all very near and dear. A memorial service will be held at a later time. Please note - it is my express wish that no money be spent on flowers for me. Arrangements have been made for a floral display to be placed next to the guest book so that each guest can choose one flower and bring it to the vase inside the reception hall. I can only hope that my family and friends will remember me with some compassion and understanding, that they can forgive my faults, sins and shortcomings and that they are all able to remember something loving and kind about me. Be kind to one another and "if you can only remember me with tears, I had rather you not remember me at all".

 

Our dear sister will be deeply missed. We love you, Cathy.

A Memorial Service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, July 31, 2021 at the Schlup Pucak Funeral Home, 788 Kenmore Blvd, Akron with Fr. William Browne officiating.