Laura Elizabeth Ritter-Allio

1985 - 2019

Laura Elizabeth Ritter-Allio

Laura Allio was born to Raymond and Janet Ritter in Southfield, Mich. on April 1, 1985 and was granted her angel wings on January 23, 2019, surrounded at home by family and friends.

Laura attended Our Lady Queen of Martyrs in Beverly Hills, Mich. from nursery school through 8th grade. She attended Marian High School in Bloomfield Hills, Mich., excelling in academics and the sports lacrosse and field hockey. She attended Loyola University Chicago and graduated in 2007 with her Bachelor of Business Administration, with Honors in finance and marketing. In 2012 Laura obtained her Master of Business Administration from the University of Notre Dame, with a dual concentration in investments and corporate finance. Laura's natural curiosity and love of learning laid the foundation for her passion as an entrepreneur.

In 2012, Laura married the love of her life, Michael S. Allio in Plymouth, Michigan. Laura and Michael met while studying at Loyola University Chicago. Laura and Michael created a life together grounded on the philosophies of love, family, laughter, and faith. Together, Laura and Michael welcomed their son, James Michael, on September 9, 2016.

Laura had many passions and created space in her life to accommodate each of them with remarkable success and grace. Her husband, Michael, and her son, James, were at the top of her list and together they enjoyed cooking, hiking in the Metroparks, visiting their favorite vacation spot in Loreto, Mexico, golfing, simple moments at home, and entertaining the company of the friends and family who made their lives so full.

Philanthropy was also a passion of Laura's and she channeled this into any opportunity that provided her the chance to give back to the Akron community she so loved.

Among Laura's most impactful roles was the one she played as an advocate. When she was diagnosed in April of 2017, Laura and Michael committed to creating a purpose to their pain and, from this, Laura inspired thousands of people with her messages of advocacy, self-care, and awareness. Laura's regular updates on social media created a community of people, survivors, advocates, and followers who learned from her, were inspired by her, and were rooting for her. Despite Laura's two-year battle, she remained positive and used her illness as a platform to positively impact the lives of others. While Laura's life was cut too short, her memory and legacy live on through her advocacy, her faith and her family.

Laura was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Frances (Doyle) Zigich and Daniel Zigich; her paternal grandfather, Dr. Frank Ritter; and her Aunt Patty Worth Ritter.

Laura is survived by her husband, Michael; son, James (age 2); and her parents, Raymond and Janet Ritter; as well as many extended family members and friends.

Calling hours will take place on Monday, January 28, 2019 from 3 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at the Hilton Hotel in Fairlawn (3180 W Market St. Akron, Ohio 44333) and a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Hilary Catholic Church on Tuesday, January 29, 2019 at 11:30 a.m., where friends will be received from 10:30 a.m. until the Mass begins. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Laura Ritter-Allio Foundation care of the Akron Community Foundation.

To share a Memory, Send a Condolence or Light a Candle, visit the Tribute Wall at www.billowfuneralhomes.com (Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)