Judith LaRiccia-Grant

Passed away Sunday November 6, 2016 at the age of 56. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, November 13th at Catavolos Funeral Home (3653 W Market St, Akron, OH 44333). Visitation with friends and family from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. Memorial Service promptly begins at 2:00 PM. Stay for refreshments and food immediately following the memorial service.

Beloved wife of Russ Grant. Loving mother of Riley, Austin and Grace. Dear sister of Mary (Chuck Barnes) and Michael LaRiccia (Cathy Moore), sister-in law of Rae and Allison Grant. Beloved daughter- in- law of Merle Grant and the late Mervyn Grant. Cherished Aunt of Alexander and Raeanne Grant, and Elizabeth and Matthew LaRiccia. Judy was preceded in death by her parents Michael and Cleo LaRiccia.

After graduating from Cleveland State’s Masters in Psychology program, Judy worked in various leadership positions in the Student Life Department at Cleveland State including Director of Residence Life. Judy’s devotion to supporting young people’s growth and development continued as she focused on bringing those skills to her role of mother to her three children. All three of her children excelled in the soccer arena and Judy brought her knowledge of support, personal development, and organizational skills to role of “Soccer Mom”. As her children grew older, Judy continued her mission of guiding and mentoring young people through her work as a Student Success Specialist at Cuyahoga Community College. Whether it was for her own children or the children of others, Judy’s loving and supportive impact was felt by all who were lucky enough to be in her life.

Judy’s journey through illness during the last two years has been a lesson in courage and grace, and one that led her to a deeper spiritual exploration and understanding that has consoled us all during this time of loss. Her fiercely independent persona never diminished even during times of intense challenge with the continued focus always being on the wellbeing of her three children and husband.

In lieu of flowers, feel free to support either or both of the nonprofit organizations below:

Stewart's Caring Place (http://www.stewartscaringplace.org/)

• Mission: Cancer Wellness Center mission is to provide a caring, relaxed environment offering supportive services and programs for individuals and families on their cancer journey.

• Donations: http://www.stewartscaringplace.org/ways-to-give.aspx

The Clearity Foundation (http://www.clearityfoundation.org/)

• Mission: The Clearity Foundation strives to help ovarian cancer patients and their physicians make better-informed treatment decisions based on molecular profiling of tumors. Our goal is to help women with recurrent ovarian cancer live longer, healthier lives.

• Donations: The Clearity Foundation relies on charitable donations to support our Tumor Blueprint services, as well as our patient and physician educational programs. We encourage those interested in supporting our mission to make a donation, volunteer, or host or participate in a fundraising event.