Dorothy A. Poland

Dorothy was born April 4, 1926, in Cleveland, Ohio, to parents David and Dorothy (Carr) Callahan. Along with her two younger brothers, David and Stuart, she grew up in Cleveland Hts and spent summers at the family’s cabin on Stewart Lake in Franklin Township. She attended St. Ann’s elementary school and Ursuline Academy of the Sacred Heart high school, and remained active with the St. Ann Parish Drama Club for decades thereafter.

Dorothy attended John Carroll University at a time when few women were allowed to attend. Not one to be bothered by rules, she took most classes at night and graduated in 1952 with a BS in history and minors in English and Philosophy. She was an active member of John Carroll’s alumni association and wrote their newsletter for many years.

While on a date at a church function in 1951, Dorothy met Jim Poland. Jim, also one not to be bothered by rules, was smitten. He saved up for several months to buy a car with which to take Dorothy on a date. By their third date his mind was made up and he proposed. Jim and Dorothy were married in February 1952, and a little more than a year later the first of their seven children was born. Their children are convinced that the reason for having more kids than there were seatbelts in the family sedan was to avoid traditional family vacations and allow Jim and Dorothy to travel the world on their own. Their favorite destinations, among the many they visited, were the Caribbean, South America, and hiking the Alps in Switzerland.

Dorothy was a devoted member of Immaculate Conception Parish where she sang in the church choir and was a cantor. She was an avid reader and member of the Reed Memorial Library Board from 1983 to 2009. Dorothy was also a member of Beta Sorosis in Ravenna.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband James E. Poland on July 28, 1998, as well as her brothers David and Stuart Callahan. She is survived by her children: Ann (Fred) Spataro of TX, James E. (Cheryl) Poland V of TX, Dennis (Connie) Poland of CA, Kevin (Sheila) Poland of OH, Maureen (Robert) Martin of FL, Patrick (Elaine) Poland of OH, Mary (Doug Schorzman) Poland of WA, as well as her 21 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren, with one more on the way.

Friends and family will be received Friday, March 18, 2022, from 4:00 – 8:00 PM at Wood-Kortright-Borkoski Funeral Home, 703 E. Main St., Ravenna. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Saturday at Immaculate Conception Church, please meet at the church. Interment will follow at St. Mary Cemetery.

Dorothy’s service will also be live-streamed. Condolences and fond memories may be shared with the family at www.wood-kortright- borkoski.com. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Reed Memorial Library Foundation, PO Box 788, Ravenna, OH 44266 or Immaculate Conception Parish, 409 W. Main St., Ravenna, OH 44266.