Denise Lynn Gerard

Denise L. Gerard, age 58, of Coventry Township, passed away Aug 15, 2025, following a tremendous amount of heart-breaking health issues, enduring much pain and many surgeries.

She was a true fighter, fighting as far as her body would let her. She was born July 16, 1967 in Akron, daughter to the late Rosalie and William “Dick” Smith. She worked as an STNA with nursing certifications at the original Barberton Hospital before it became part of Summa, as well as other facilities, including the last being St. Luke’s at Portage Lakes. It is there she met her dear friend Shana, who also trained her daughter to be the best caretaker she can be.

The amount of friends that she and her daughter made there are countless, the most amazing people who we love and will never forget. Denise enjoyed 80’s Hair Bands, Matchbox 20, the original Journey and Alabama. She was a beloved fan of the Steelers and Michigan. While all of those things brought her joy, the most cherished thing in her life was her family. Spending time with them in summer at local fairs and zoos and in the Christmas season looking at lights were the absolute highlight of her life.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her beloved husband, Jacob F. Gerard Sr.; daughter, Hollyann Walden and her son-in-law Aaron Keen who she affectionately called “her boyfriend”; sister, Stephanie Raines and her adoring nieces and nephews, Austin, Megan, Morgan and Michael. Denise will be greatly missed by all who loved and knew her and the Southern style cooking and sausage casserole will never be the same. Acelebration of her life at a future date.

Arrangements entrusted to Adams Mason Funeral Home (330) 535-9186.