Hedy J. Jones

Dr. Hedy J. Jones, 87, passed away February 17, 2023 in New Hope, PA. after an adventurous life as a loving mother, supportive wife, artist, activist, educator and tireless volunteer in Akron, Ohio.

She leaves behind: daughter Jennifer and son-in-law Paul Takowiak of New Hope, PA., with grandson, Nicholas and wife Hajin in Boston, MA.; daughter, Gretchen Kish, with grandchildren Dylan and Percival in San Francisco, CA; son Leonard, with grandsons, Kaio and Owen in Superior, CO; and son, Kevin in New York, NY; stepdaughter Judy Jones and partner Brent Valentine in Cuyahoga Falls; grandsons Eric Jones and Matt Jones both in Columbus, OH; brother-in-law Dennis Kish and sister-in-law, Susan Owen in San Luis Obispo, CA; sister-in-law Carol Cartwright in Portland, OR; niece, Amy and nephew, Christian in Portland and nephew Joshua in St. Augustine, FL.

She was preceded in death by her husband Dr. Robert H. Jones in Akron; parents, Irma Hegel and George Rosensteel of Akron; stepson Robert Paul Jones, Cuyahoga Falls and daughter-in-Law Victoria Hammond (Jones); and former husband Richard L. Kish.

Hedy was born in New Haven, CT on May 12, 1935, grew up in Akron and attended East High School. Hedy and Richard Kish were married in 1955 and lived in Akron with their four children until their divorce in 1976. She worked as an Artist for the Akron Public Library in the 60's before moving to a long career as an Art Teacher and School Counselor. She was early to creating a pure foods diet for her family, baking and preparing everything from scratch. Hedy was active with Another Mother for Peace, the Civil Rights movement, and ecological causes early on in the 60's and throughout her life.

Hedy was also a life-long student as well as educator. She received a B.A.in Art from Kent State University, followed by a B.S. in Education from the University of Akron. She followed that with a Masters Degree and a Ph.D. in Art Therapy from the University of Akron.

She married Dr. Robert H. Jones in 1982, blending the two families and moving to Fairlawn. Hedy was a devoted instructor, teaching at Revere Middle School, Revere High School and The University of Akron during her career.

Hedy became Robert's research assistant for his final book, 'Guarding the Overland Trails: The Eleventh Ohio Calvary in the Civil War', published in 2005. Robert and Hedy enjoyed their retirement years, traveling "out west," and to Europe, as well as visiting children and grandchildren scattered throughout the country.

In her "retirement," Hedy volunteered with The Cuyahoga Valley National Parks for 17 years, creating many art illustrations and guidebooks. She greatly enjoyed giving guided boat tours along the Cuyahoga River as part of the Cuyahoga Falls Recreation Department. She was also a creative costume designer and won the Weathervane Playhouse "Best Costume Design 2008-2009 Award" for "The Man of LaMancha." She enjoyed the outdoors, hiking and birdwatching. She participated every year in the Audubon Society's Annual Backyard Bird Count and the Summit Metro Parks Hiking Spree.

The family is grateful to Carmen Haydu, for her friendship and love of Hedy, throughout Hedy's career, retirement and illness. The family also extends their gratitude to Solana in Doylestown for their gracious care.

A private Celebration of Life will be held in May. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to The Cuyahoga Valley National Parks or Summit Metro Parks.