Phyllis M. Tainsh (nee Davidson, Mashek)

Phyllis M. Tainsh, 86, passed away April 19, 2023.

Born and raised in Akron, Phyllis resided most of her life in Summit County. She graduated from North High School and attended The University of Akron. She retired from Roadway Express and was a member of the Akron Board of Realtors. Phyllis was very active with Tallmadge Little League Baseball and Youth Football and enjoyed traveling, observing wildlife, and dabbling in the stock market, a skill she learned from her father.

Phyllis was very strong in her faith and loved her family deeply, spending as much quality time with them, and her kitty Luci, as possible. She was a smart, independent, selfless woman who made it her purpose to help those around her in any way she could. She was always delivering meals to family and friends, doing what she could to help and make life easier on your busiest day. Phyllis volunteered and provided support to local pet shelters. Sick, injured, and simply hungry animals always had a way of finding her. She would call the vet, letting them know she had another feline to bring in for care. She spared no expense and many of them had second chances because of her devoted care.  

Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband, George Tainsh; companion, Harry Gooch; and parents, Lillian and Charles Davidson. She is survived by her children, Steve Mashek (Kris), Kimberly Mashek, Sheryl Plath, Dan Mashek (Dawn); grandchildren, Nick Plath (Sarah) of NC, Christine Wurgler (John), Tyler Mashek, David Plath (Ariel) of NC, Matt Mashek, Hannah Mashek, Emily Stewart, Christopher Sipe, Sara Stewart; great-grandchildren, Kayla Wurgler, Preston Wurgler; brother, Tom Davidson of MD; sisters, Maureen Perri (Dominic) and Joan Musci (Al).

A special thanks to longtime caregiver and friend, Tracey Leonard, the staff at Gables of Canton, Aultman Hospital, and Aultman Compassionate Care Center.

Friends and family will be received Tuesday, April 25^th from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 2603 Benton Ave. Akron, OH 44312. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30 a.m. with Father Michael Williamson presiding. Burial will take place at Chestnut Hill Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to One of A Kind Pets, 1929 W. Market St. Akron, OH 44313 or The Council of Catholic Women, 2603 Benton Ave. Akron, OH 44312.