Ora Ocie Cantor

Ora (Dowler) Cantor passed away on November 16, 2022. She was born July 31, 1929 in Atwater, Ohio to Thomas E. Dowler and Roxie Moneypenny Dowler. She joined brother Lee Dowler, half-brother Nelson Dowler and half-sister Verna Dowler MacLearie. Her father passed when she was just two-years old leaving the family to struggle. Her mother later married Jesse Butler and three stepchildren, Lloyd, Edward and Frances Butler, joined the family.

A 1947 graduate of Ravenna High School, Ora’s early employment included the Cleveland Worsted Mill (Redfern) Plant and the Ravenna Arsenal working for Firestone.

She married George Cantor June 10, 1949. George was soon drafted in the Korean War leaving the newly-weds separated by the conflict. After George’s return from the war, Ora became a homemaker and they raised two daughters, Becky and Lori. She was a very dedicated mother and involved in Junior Mothers, the Girl Scouts, the Parent Teacher Association, and the Ravenna Band Patrons.

When the girls were older, she returned to work serving as the secretary to the First United Methodist Church of Ravenna for 16 years. Her employment helped both daughters attend and graduate from Kent State University. However, her job was more to her than that. She often said her position at the church was more of a calling. She also served on many church committees.

Ora was known for being a caring person and frequently prepared meals for her sick or disabled friends. She and her husband often helped transport those in need to doctor’s appointments or to receive medical treatments.

Before poor vision affected her life, Ora loved to read, knit, bake, and rarely missed a Cleveland Indian’s game. Ora and George traveled frequently including trips to just about every state in the U. S. including Hawaii and Alaska. They traveled overseas including the Holy Land, Greece, and Rome. They enjoyed multiple cruises including traveling through the Panama Canal.

She was a member of the First United Methodist Church since 1944, the Old Northwest Aaron Olmstead Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and VFW Auxiliary Post 1055.

She was preceded in death by her husband George of 72 years and all of her siblings. She is survived by daughters Becky (Larry Welch) and Lori (Jeff Wolff), granddaughter Jennifer (Allen Loy), great granddaughter Lydia Cantor Loy and Steven (Allison) Welch, and her nieces and nephews who were a source of joy to her.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Pastor Norma Bates, their church family, neighbors, and Hospice of the Western Reserve.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the First United Methodist Church of Ravenna.

A private service will be held for the immediate family with Pastor Norma Bates officiating. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Interment will be held at Maple Grove Cemetery.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.wood-kortright-borkoski.com