Kathleen J. (Damanic) Damanic-Stickel

Kathleen J. Damanic-Stickel, 64 of Kent, passed away Wednesday, June 28, 2023. Kathleen was born May 1, 1959 in Ravenna to her parents George K. Damanic, Jr. and Ida Mae (Brawley) Damanic. Kathleen worked as a clerk and later a bookkeeper for the Portage County Clerk of Courts until retiring on July 31, 2015. In addition to her parents, Kathleen is survived by her sister Beth A. (Craig) James, her nieces and nephew Amanda (Keith) Waesch, Michael (Katie) Darrah and Kyle Ann Darrah, and her great nieces and nephews Nathan, Ryan Lynn, and Gerren Waesch, and Isabella and Rocco Giulitto.

Kathleen loved spending time with her family and sharing her many talents with family and friends.  She was a gourmet baker – her trays of cookies and pizzelles were a hit at every family gathering and holiday.   And she was an expert cake decorator.  She also enjoyed cooking and researching international recipes for her family to try.  She expertly mastered her Italian grandmothers’ and southern grandmothers’ sweet and savory recipes.  And she always made enough for leftovers for all in attendance.

Although she had no children of her own, Kathleen loved her nieces and nephews as her own and spoiled them endlessly.  She attended every sporting event, play, concert, and award ceremony.  As they were growing up, she took them to Disney, Universal Studios, Sea World, and Geauga Lake amusement parks.  They would plan park picnics, go on walks along the Kent Riverfront, and take an annual trip to Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens.  She always hosted during the Heritage Festival to watch the Fourth of July fireworks celebration.  Kathleen enjoyed painting and crafting, which she frequently did with her nieces and nephew in Gramma Ida’s kitchen.  She always brought coloring books, crafts, games, and trinkets for her great niece and nephews at every visit.  And everyone knew that she would bring the most presents at Christmas!

She was an avid reader and collector of books as well as a collector of movies.  There was no genre that Kathleen did not enjoy.  Kathleen also rescued and fostered many cats over the years, which gave her a lot of joy.

The family would like to thank her friends, Catherine and Rob Burkey, who did so much to brighten her day.  The family would also like to send a special thank you to the staff at Altercare Post-Acute Rehabilitation Center and Absolute Hospice – especially Becky.  Kathleen looked forward to her “Becky Days” each week.

Per her request, cremation has taken place and a private Celebration of Life has taken place. Condolences and memories of Kathleen can be shared with her family at www.sscfuneralhomes.com.