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Ohio Woman Dies at 110, Touching Lives Through Music
1 Feb
Summary
- Ethelyn Fitzsimmons passed away at the age of 110 in Mantua.
- She was a dedicated secretary at Kent State University for nearly 20 years.
- Fitzsimmons also shared her talents by giving piano lessons for many years.
Ethelyn VonHelmers Fitzsimmons, a centenarian from Mantua, died on January 24, 2026, at the age of 110. Born in Marietta on May 17, 1915, she later moved to Akron and then established her home in Mantua with her husband, John Paul "Bud" Fitzsimmons.
Fitzsimmons dedicated nearly 20 years of her career as a secretary in the president's office at Kent State University, serving under three different presidents. Her time there included the significant events of May 4, 1970. She was also an accomplished pianist and shared her passion by giving piano lessons to numerous students over the years.
Her obituary notes a life filled with diverse activities, including writing music and poetry, knitting, painting, and gardening. She was an active parishioner at St. Joseph Church in Mantua. A graveside service was scheduled for February 5, 2026, at Hillside Cemetery in Mantua Village.
