Kathleen R. Furino

Kathleen R. Furino (Kathy), born on December 12, 1942, went home to be with the Lord surrounded by the love of her family on May 24, 2025.

Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Kathy graduated from St. Luke High School in Carnegie. She made her home in Portage County for most of her life and retired after 26 years of dedicated service as Supervisor of Financial Aid Accounting at Kent State University, where she touched countless lives. Her compassion, patience, and dedication helped guide and support students through some of their most challenging times, and her legacy lives on in the many people she helped along the way.

Kathy’s life was a testament to devotion—both to her faith and to her family. A devout Catholic, she generously gave her time to others, often volunteering through her church by preparing meals for parish events, cooking for the sick, and supporting families in need. She gave of herself freely, always putting others ahead of her own needs, and was the unwavering heart of her family.

She had a gift for bringing warmth and care into everything she did—through her cross stitching, knitting, or lovingly tending to her flowers. Known affectionately as the flower whisperer, she could bring any plant back to life and filled her home with beauty. Her kitchen was her sanctuary, where she crafted home-cooked meals and her world-famous biscottis, which will live on in the memories of all who tasted them.

Kathy had a vivacious spirit and an unmistakable style—always seen in her signature denim—and was known to surprise many with her joyful jitterbug at a Johnny Fay concert. She touched the lives of everyone she met with warmth, grace, and an infectious smile.

She is preceded in death by her beloved father, Edward Welsh; her mother, Margaret Welsh; and her brother, Charles Welsh.

Kathy is survived by her devoted husband of 61 years, John Furino; her loving sons James (Melissa) Furino and Matthew (Rita) Furino; cherished granddaughters Loryn Furino, Samantha (Tyler) Ganzer, and Madison Furino; and her treasured great-grandson, Grayson Ganzer. She also leaves behind her siblings Edward (Dianne) Welsh, Margie (Richard) Lugaila, and Mary Grace (John) Cardona; her sister-in-law Barbara Welsh; and many adored nieces and nephews.

Kathy was the best “Mummum” her granddaughters could have asked for, and her love and guidance will continue to echo in their hearts. The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to her devoted caregiver Anne Bevington, the caring staff at the Village of St. Edward’s Assisted Living, and especially to Northeast Ohio Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation, in honor of Kathy’s generous spirit and lifelong commitment to helping others.

Family and friends will be received Friday, June 6th from 4 to 7 pm at Hopkins Lawver Funeral Home, 547 Canton Rd. Akron, OH 44312. Funeral service will take place Saturday, June 7th at the funeral home at 9:30am with burial to follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Randolph.