Mary Lou Ciborek

Mary Lou Ciborek, 94, of Akron, passed away on August 12, 2024. She was born on August 1, 1930 to the late Joseph and Marie Berardi.

In addition to her parents, Mary Lou was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ted in 1987. They had been married in 1954. Later her loving brother, Father James Berardi passed away in 2014.

Mary Lou will be laid to rest next to her husband Ted at Holy Cross Cemetery, Akron.

Mary Lou loved music and was an accomplished mezzo-soprano and sang in the St. Vincent Church choir for over 30 years. She also sang at many of her family’s weddings and funerals. Mary Lou participated in local light opera groups, occasionally in musicals developed by her late brother.

She was a prolific artist and especially loved painting landscapes and flowers.

She also was an avid gardener and especially loved sunflowers. Mary Lou loved the outdoors and enjoyed playing golf.

Most of all Mary Lou was an animal lover. She cherished her cats beyond all else.

Mary Lou volunteered many hours to our American Veterans. She provided them with attention and refreshments for many years.

Mary Lou was a graduate of St. Vincent’s High School and then the Applied Art Academy. She went on to a substantial career in several aspects of marketing.

She began her career at the Akron Beacon Journal’s display advertising department, and later worked at Ralph Gross Advertising Agency. She was a partner in the Standiford Ciborek Design firm where she was president from 1970 through the 1980’s

Mary Lou received the Akron Advertising Club Woman of the Year Award in 1984. When Mary Lou was the head of the Akron Ad Club she originated its Addys awards program. She also worked for the WNIR-FM Community Cashback Awards program for many years, and whose following successfully promoted advertising on the station.

She is survived by her nieces and nephews. 

Many thanks to her loyal friends and neighbors, Toni, Dorothy, Dorothy’s brother Toney, Chris, Frank and Diane, Walt and Mary.

Special thanks to her neighbor, Amy Engelhardt, for all of her hard work, care and support. Mary Lou could not have stayed in her home or had such good medical care without her. She is truly the epitome of a kind and loving person. She is really appreciated.

Thank you also to Hospice Care and Windsong Nursing Center for their helpful services.

Everyone who knew Mary Lou knew that she was a strong and wildly independent woman. Her spark and vitality will long be remembered.

Donations in Mary Lou's memory are suggested to Maggie's Mission.