Mary Perkins

Mary Karen Perkins (née Begue) obtained her wings on February 26, 2024, at the age of 77 in Tallmadge, Ohio. She was born on December 19, 1946, in Akron, Ohio.

Mary was a beloved wife to William (Bill) Perkins for 51 years and somehow still decided to marry him even though it took 9 years to finally make it to the alter on October 21, 1972. They were high school sweethearts that met on the football field after an accidental tackle by Bill on the sidelines during a game where Mary was cheerleading. In total they spent 60 years together. She was a devoted mother to Melinda (Mindy) Perkins, and Ryan Perkins, and a cherished Memaw to Benjamin, Coty, Faith, Dakota, and Sophia. She was a dedicated member of a large Catholic family and leaves behind her brothers, sister, nieces, nephews, cousins (there were 51 first cousins on her dad’s side alone!), and many friends who were like family.

She attended school at St. Joseph’s, Randolph from Kindergarten to 8^th grade before attending High School at Randolph H.S. (Class of ’65). Before being blessed with her children, Mary started her career as an Executive Assistant at Goodyear on Mahogany Row, in 1965 where she met her lifelong friend, Linda (Kevin) O’Hara. She left Goodyear in 1979 to spend the next several years dedicating herself to raising her children. In 1989, Mary started the rest of her career at Akron Public Schools, as a secretary for the Head Start program, where she made lasting friendships with Charlotte (Massey) Williams, Peggy Winn and Joan Moke, among others. When she left that position, she became the Executive Assistant for the Legal Council and helped when needed in the Superintendent’s Office. Mary retired on June 30, 2021 after 32 years of dedicated service. 

Mary found joy in spending time with her grandchildren, traveling with her family (including a driving trip all the way to California and back to Ohio), watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy (even though the shows drove her husband crazy), and cherishing moments with all her loved ones. She will be remembered for her unwavering love, kindness, and loyalty to those around her. 

Mary was a devout Catholic who attended mass at least weekly at both St. Paul’s in North Canton and St. Joseph’s in Randolph. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.  

She is preceded in death by her son, Ryan Perkins, parents Roger and Agnes (Bebee) Begue, Father-In-law and Mother-In-law Charles (Charlie) and Della (Hines) Perkins, Uncle and Aunt Robert (Bob) and Marjorie (Margie) Cline, plus several other aunts, uncles and cousins.

Mary Karen is survived by her Husband, Daughter and Grandchildren, as well as her brothers, Ron (Evelyn) Begue, Dave Begue, William (Bill) Begue, Roger (Rog) Begue, Terry (Lisa) Begue, Mark (Annette) Begue and sister, Joan (Joanie) Gougler. Her Brothers-In-Law Charles (Texie) Perkins, Richard (Julie) Perkins and Sister-In-Law Tracy Begue. There are also many other cousins, nieces, nephews and countless friends. 

May she rest in peace in the arms of her Lord and Savior.

Family and friends will be received Friday, March 1st from 4 to 7 p.m. at Hopkins Lawver Funeral Home, 547 Canton Rd. Akron, OH 44312. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, March 2nd at 12 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 2643 Waterloo Rd. Mogadore, OH 44260. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. A funeral dinner will be held after mass at St. Peter's of the Fields, 3487 Old Forge Rd. Rootstown, OH 44272. 

“To Those I Love and Those Who Love Me”

When I am gone, release me, let me go.

I have so many things to see and do.

You mustn’t tie yourself to me with tears,

Be thankful for our beautiful years.

I gave to you my love, you can only guess, how much you gave to me in happiness.

I thank you for the love you each have shown.

But now it’s time I traveled on alone.

So grieve a while for me if grieve you must,

Then let your grief be comforted by trust.

It’s only for a time that we must part,

So bless the memories within your heart.

I won’t be far away, for life goes on,

So if you need me, call and I will come.

Though you can’t see or touch me, I’ll be near,

And if you listen with your heart, you’ll hear,

All my love around you soft and clear. 

And then, when you must come this way alone,

I’ll greet you with a smile and say,

“Welcome Home!”