Geraldine "Gerry" Hanna

Geraldine “Gerry” Hanna, 99 passed away July 21, 2026. She was born in Akron to the late James and May (Haught) Samples and was a proud, active lifelong member of Wedgewood United Methodist Church. She was the administrative assistant for 32 years, taught the United Class, and was a member of United Methodist Women.

Gerry also worked for the Akron Board of Education for 10 years and belonged to the American Business Women's Association, where she was a charter member of the Hilltop Chapter. In addition to her professional accomplishments, she shared a love of baking with all who knew her. Her famous “Mary Elma Cookies” and traditional Lebanese Baklava spread love and joy far and wide, and every Christmas, folks in Akron and far beyond will think of her fondly as they remember her delicious recipes. Known to all her kids’ and grandkids’ friends as simply, “Grandma Gerry,” she was beloved by her family, church family and friends and she will be deeply missed.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Tom, brothers, Bill (Audrey) and Jack (Monteen) Samples; and nephews, Ray and Rick Samples. She is survived by her children, Becky (Mark) Duhon and Jim (Suzi) Hanna; grandchildren, Ben and Erin Lohrum, Drew Lohrum and Joe Spino, Megan and Vince Tilenni and Krissa and Kyle Reilly; great-grandchildren, Jacob, Jensen, Jemma and Jenika Lohrum, Vincent and Isabella Tilenni, and Declan Reilly; and many other loving relatives and friends.

The family would like to extend its deepest thanks to The Cleveland Clinic Hospice team for providing such compassionate end-of-life care.

The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, July 28, 2026 at 1 p.m. at Wedgewood United Methodist Church, 2350 Wedgewood Drive, Akron, OH 44312 with Pastor Paul Wilson officiating. Calling hours will be at the church for two hours prior to the service, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. The committal and burial will be Wednesday, July 29 at 9:45 a.m. at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, 10175 Rawiga Rd., Seville, OH 44273.

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