Marjorie Ott

Marjorie (Haas) Ott, 91, of Canton, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 8, 2014, following a brief illness. She was born in rural Tuscarawas County on March 26, 1923 to Roy and Verba (Isenogle) Haas, the third of seven daughters. When her family farm was lost during the Depression, her parents and siblings moved to Stone Creek where she attended Angel Valley School. While raising her own two daughters, she moved to Canton and began a career that spanned decades, culminating in her retirement from Ohio Power. Marge--or Mom Mom, as she was known to her grandchildren--was the grande dame of her family, presiding over birthdays, holidays, and celebrations with her dry wit, candid observations and a cold drink. She enjoyed attending her grandchildren and great-grandchildren's plays, recitals, concerts and athletic events; these became the center of her social life in later years. She relished visits with her sisters, nieces and nephews, whether sharing time at a family reunion or visiting Sugarcreek for a homestyle meal. An avid gardener, Marge often shared her harvest with friends and family and always offered tips for growing. She was a voracious reader, devouring books and passing them along to her daughters. Marge was also an excellent cook and baker. Her pies were famous for their flaky crusts and delicious fillings, her deviled eggs requested at every picnic. And no one could make better waffles, bacon and fresh-squeezed orange juice after a Friday night sleepover or Sunday school. In addition to her parents, Marge was preceded in death by sisters Arlene Miller and Karla Manley and her son-in-law James Shemas. She leaves behind memories and daughter Mary Lou Shemas; daughter and son-in-law Kathleen and Larry Smith; grandchildren Beth and Todd Polen and Brett and Julie Smith; great-grandchildren Tessa and Maya Polen and Erin, Eric and Ellen Smith; sisters Vivian Sweebe, Lois Rose, Donna Danley, and Doris Jenkins; numerous special nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank Dr. Schmotzer and his staff at Morningstar, Dr. Cheng and her radiation team, and the caregivers on 5 South at Aultman Hospital for their exceptional care and compassion. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, May 13, 2014 at Paquelet Funeral Home in Massillon. Friends may call one hour before the service. A private interment will be held at Sunset Hills Mausoleum.