Rosemary Forman

Rosemary Shaw Forman
Rosemary Shaw Forman, 90, passed away peacefully with her family on January 28, 2016. Rosemary was born on April 23, 1925 in McDermott, Ohio to parents Lula (Koch) and Ransom Shaw.
Rosemary founded Fairlawn Village Preschool in 1962 where she touched the lives of many children, parents, students and colleagues, retiring at the age of 79. She received her Master's Degree in Education from the University of Akron in 1979, supervised student teachers for the University, and received Ohio's Educator of the Year by the Ohio Association for the Education of Young Children. She also helped establish and run the Fairlawn Safety Town program for preschool children that continues today.
Rosemary was an exceptional woman: fun-loving, energetic, caring, wise, and generous with her time and resources. She was a mentor and second mother to many, always there for anyone who might need her. A motivated and outstanding leader, she held many positions of leadership throughout her life including past President of Akron Woman's City Club and the Pilot Club of Akron. She was an active member of the First United Methodist Church, Fairlawn City Women's Club, and many other organizations and efforts.
Rosemary was preceded in death by her loving husband Harry, of 47 years. She is survived by her three children, Dr. Cynthia Wilcox, Mary Ann Merola (Gene), and Fred (Cindy); three grandchildren, Geoff Wilcox (Laura), Dr. Jennifer Beale (Doug), and Daniel Merola; four great-grandchildren, Asher and Zoe Wilcox, Lila Rosemary and Miles Beale; and numerous nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind countless friends, neighbors and associates who loved her dearly, including her cherished friends, Dr. Walter Chisholm and Marian Stalker.
Calling hours will be held Sunday, from 3:00 to 6:00 PM, at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd. Her funeral service will be held Monday, 11:00 AM at First United Methodist Church of Akron, 263 E. Mill St., Akron, Ohio 44308.
Our sincere thanks and appreciation go out to the wonderful staff of Akron General Medical Center, especially to Dr. Rebecca Stone, and the caring staff of Hospice of VNS on Ridgewood Road. Memorial donations may be made to the Akron Woman's City Club or Pilot Club of Akron at 2530 Ridgewood Road, Akron Ohio, 44313. (Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)