Jean Broida

Jean Schwartz Broida

Jean Broida, age 94, passed away peacefully in her sleep on November 25, 2014 at her home in the Portage Lakes.

She was a "Lakes" resident since 1992, and called her home her "cottage." Jean and her husband Earl, who passed in 1988, had eight children, Michael, Susan, Mark, Laurel, Gary, Neal, Jill, and Clark. She is also survived by 20 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and by her brother, Sidney.

She was born in Poland and came to America with her parents when she was 2 years old. She was raised in St. Louis, Missouri and met Earl there. She returned to St. Louis while her husband served in Europe in the infantry in World War II. Jean earned three college degrees after her eight children all finished college. She taught communications at Youngstown State University over a period of several years.

Jean was active and healthy to the last of her days. She drove daily, was active in the Akron community, worked the polls regularly, and used her computer to communicate with her family members. She never did join Facebook. Jean had two major passions in her life. She loved to travel by boat, plane, bus, or auto. She took about 10 trips each year ranging from three days to two weeks. She recently returned from a five day trip to Branson with one of her sons. Travel was her oxygen. Her second passion was animals. She rescued and made a home for many dogs, having as many as five or six share a home with her. She loved the geese living at the Lakes, and regularly fed birds, squirrels, and other wildlife. She never met an animal she didn't like.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes interested parties make donations to Happy Trails animal sanctuary, 5623 New Milford Rd., Ravenna, Ohio 44266 or your local animal shelter organization. Jean will be buried at Rose Hill Cemetery in a family only ceremony on Dec 7. An open memorial service is planned or her birthday, August 15, 2015. Contact information is available from Neal Broida, 397 W. Nimisila Rd., New Franklin, OH 44319. His daytime phone is 330-869-9604.