Mary I. Shamakian
Mary I. Shamakian, of Highland Heights, died on Friday, Oct. 11, 2024, at Kemper House.
She was born in Lumber City, Ga., on Sept. 8, 1931, to Joseph and Rose (nee Novak) Zbasnik, moving to Cleveland with her three sisters and five brothers in 1936.
Mary attended Jane Addams High School and worked in several jobs as a photographer assistant, seamstress for Richmond Brothers, a press operator and for Charles Chips.
She married her husband, Robert Shamakian, on Sept. 30, 1950. He preceded in death on November 20, 1994.
Mary was proud of her over 20-year career as a cake decorator for Hough Bakery. She took art and drawing classes after work, learning to create all the characters and scenery to meet the requests of the customers.
After retiring, Mary enjoyed exercising and swimming, especially when the men would give up before her when swimming laps!
Survivors include her sons, Arthur (Carol nee Groh), of Painesville, Robert (Laurel nee Serrajian), of Streetsboro, and George (Lisa nee Brammer), of Highland Heights; grandchildren, Mara Shamakian Thrush (William Thrush), of South Russell Village, Dylan (Lorella Luezas Shamakian, MD), of South Russell, Elissa Petrozzi, of Painesville, Brian (Karen Habe), of Hambden Township, Greggorey Shamakian, of Highland Heights, and Kimberly Shamakian, of North Canton; great-grandchildren, Sammy and Vincent Petrozzi, Benjamin and Charles Shamakian, Clara and Conor Thrush, and Emil and Astrid Shamakian.
A celebration of life will be held at Steele Mansion, 348 Mentor Road, Painesville, from 4-8 p.m., on Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024, with a graveside interment at Fowler’s Mill Cemetery,12399 Fowler’s Mill Road, Munson Township, on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, at 10 a.m.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Chardon and Johnson Funeral Home in Painesville. Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.burrservice.com.
