Martha Ann "Mardi" Shade

Martha Ann Shade’s dedication to a life of servanthood, love, and caring for her family, friends, patients, and students concluded on August 31, 2026.

Born February 7, 1944, Martha “Mardi” was preceded in death by her mother, Martha H. Barr; her father, Paul H. Barr.

Mardi graduated from Quaker Valley High School in 1961 and earned her nursing degree from Duquesne University in 1965. Originally from Beaver, Pennsylvania, she devoted her life to the nursing profession. Throughout her career, she served as a psychiatric nurse, a nurse administrator at all levels of care, and a private in-home nurse. She ultimately retired after teaching nursing students in Akron, Ohio.

Even in retirement, Mardi remained committed to her nursing oath. She formed a special bond with a group of retired nurses in her independent living community, where they looked after and cared for one another, as well as other residents, in their apartment building.

Nursing was her profession, but her greatest passion was her family—and the four-footers who completed it. Mardi adored her beloved dogs, Snuggles and Bailey, both of whom met her at the Rainbow Bridge, along with the grand dogs who passed before her. Her current grand dogs--- Riley, Harper, Boomer, and Jax--- brought her endless joy and took turns visiting her through her final days.

Mardi leaves behind to cherish her memory—and her infectious laugh, sometimes accompanied by a snort—her only child, Kellyann (Shade) Callahan; son-in-law, Robert Callahan; and grandchild, Jordan “Mack” Callahan, along with many cousins and special friends near and far.

Her family would like to express their deep appreciation to the care teams at Ohio Living Rockynol—including Independent Living, Assisted Living, the Healthcare Center, and the therapy department—as well as Summa Palliative and Hospice Care for the dignity, compassion, and care they provided Mardi.

There will be no public visitation. A private ceremony will be held at Rockynol in the near future following cremation. Mardi will then return home to where her life began in Coraopolis, Pennsylvania.

In memory of Mardi, her family asks that you please consider donating to your favorite animal rescue/shelter, to the Ohio Living Rockynol Foundation, 1150 West Market St., Akron, Ohio 44313, or to the Summa Hospice- Akron Campus, 141 North Forge St., Akron, Ohio 44304.

Services in care of the Billow Funeral Homes and Crematory, 85 N. Miller Road Akron, OH 44333

(Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)