Kathryn "Bunny" M. (Mayo) Loomis

KATHRYN “Bunny” LOOMIS (nee Mayo), age 88, passed away on Friday, June 2, 2017.  Devoted and beloved wife of 64 years to George P. Loomis; loving mother of Kathryn (“Muffy”) Kaesberg (Jim) and David Loomis (Dori).  Cherished grandmother to Julia and Eric Kaesberg, and Emily and Hannah Loomis.  Daughter of the late Leonard and Lena Mayo (nee Cooley) and sister of the late Margaret Tippit.  Known as “Kay Mayo” growing up, she was born in Dobbs Ferry, NY on the grounds of an orphanage where her father worked.  The theme of supporting those in need, inherited from many generations of her family, would be a thread that she would weave throughout her life.  Her family moved to Cleveland where her father became Dean of Case Western Reserve University’s School of Applied Social Sciences.  She graduated from Cleveland Heights High School in 1946, was a member of the National Honor Society and was voted outstanding graduate.  She attended Wells College where she studied English, was president of the student government and was voted the graduate who – in the highest sense – best represented Wells College.  She graduated Cum Laude in 1950 and was elected to the Phi Beta Kappa Society.  She met her future husband, George, while working as an assistant to the Vice President of Reliance Electric.  After initially focusing on family, she helped pioneer the working mother movement by serving as Development Director for Vocational Guidance Services and then Beech Brook children’s home where she led a multi-million-dollar capital campaign and was recognized in 2015 with a special achievement award.  During her time at Beech Brook, she served on the Board of Directors and, at various times, as president of the Board, Development Director and Interim Executive Director.  She also served on the boards of the Junior League of Cleveland, the Hough Area Nursery School Project, the Cleveland Mental Health Association, the Cleveland International Program and the Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging. In her spare time, she was a Girl Scout troop leader, a Stephen Minister and editor of a book on the Mayo family history.  Later in life, she moved part-time to Tucson, AZ, and became a skilled quilter, jewelry maker and world traveler, participating in the Semester at Sea program and visiting over 40 countries in her lifetime.  Always maintaining a keen intellect, she enjoyed playing bridge, reading and gardening.  Most of all, she loved spending time with friends and family, learning about others’ lives, helping those in need, especially her husband, George, and inspiring everyone with her endless energy, optimism and constant smile.  She will be missed deeply by all who knew her.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be forwarded to Beech Brook, 3737 Lander Rd., Cleveland, OH 44124.  A service celebrating Bunny’s life will be held on Saturday, June 10, 2:00 to 4:00 pm in the Chautauqua Room at South Franklin Circle, 16575 S. Franklin St., Chagrin Falls, OH 44023. Arrangements by Stroud~Lawrence Funeral Home Chagrin Falls, OH. www.stroudlawrence.com

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