A mother with a heart of gold passed away on Thursday, April 21, 2011. Margaret M. Somerick, 95 years young, was born February 25, 1916 in Barberton, Ohio to Anthony and Frances Patrick. A lifelong resident of Barberton, Margaret is survived by devoted daughters, Beverly Somerick and Dr. Nancy Somerick. She is also survived by nephew and niece, Raymond and Rosella Pierce; by great nieces and nephews, Linda and Bob Bernat of Green and Kathleen Davis Pierce and Roy Schechter of Shaker Heights; by great, great nephews, Andrew Bernat and Gordon Schechter; by numerous other nieces and nephews; by sister-in-law, Mary Kelly of Pittsburgh; and by Mitzi, Honey Bear and Sabrina, lucky cats that Margaret had rescued. Margaret was preceded in death in 2004 by her loving husband of 68 years, Tony Somerick; she was also preceded in death by sister, Frances Pierce; and by brothers, Frank, Tony and Bill Patrick. A beautiful person with a beautiful spirit, Margaret was a strong-willed woman who was extremely intelligent and articulate. A short time ago, when she met with her family attorney, he said that he hoped that he would be as sharp as she was if he ever reached 95. As a positive force, Margaret was able to accomplish whatever she decided to do. This included, but was not limited to, being the perfect parent and baking the best chocolate cakes, apple pies and peanut butter cookies for family and friends to enjoy. As a role model, Margaret showed that senior citizens can live a happy, healthy life and be active every minute. After all, she would say, age is only a number. Margaret, who was petite, had beautiful sparkling blue-green eyes and silver-gray hair. She was an elegant lady who wanted to live, and her family wanted her to live. It seems that there is never enough time on this earth to spend with those you love. During their senior citizen years, Margaret and her husband Tony became experts in the antique field. Her specialty was toys and cookbooks, and his specialty was toys and tools. Together, they spent many happy hours as vendors in Hartville. It was obvious that Margaret and Tony had hearts of gold. In past years, they helped to care for her sister, one of his brothers, and one of his sisters when those relatives needed help. In addition, when frightened pets were abandoned in the neighborhood, Margaret and Tony rescued them, socialized them and adopted them into good homes. This kindness became a prototype for community residents who are kindred spirits and believe in the humane treatment of animals. The Heart of Gold Humane Fund established through the Barberton Community Foundation will help carry on Margaret's and Tony's legacy. Proud of her Slovenian heritage, Margaret was a member of KSKJ St. Joseph's Lodge, and she enjoyed attending its events with her family and friends. In addition, she had been a member of Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church; and when it closed, she became a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church. Calling hours will be Tuesday, April 26, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Campfield-Hickman-Collier Funeral Home, 566 Park Avenue W., Barberton. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, April 27, at 10 a.m. at St. Augustine Catholic Church, 204 Sixth Street NW, Barberton. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery will follow the mass.
Published in Akron Beacon Journal from April 25 to April 27, 2011