Kathleen B. Kane 1946-2025

Kathy was born Nov. 9, 1946, in Youngstown, the fourth child of Cecila Mauser Ritz and John Ritz. A 1964 graduate of East High School, she was an excellent student, talented majorette and accomplished sprinter. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Education degree in three years from Youngstown State University and subsequently her Master of Education degree.

Kathy was a lifelong educator. She began teaching at the young age of 20 and quickly became known as tough but fair, always going above and beyond for her students. During her 35-year career in Lowellville City Schools, she had an enormous impact in the classroom and was also recognized as a mentor and leader by her colleagues. She taught handwriting back in the days of real chalkboards and would tell anyone who would listen that it was a travesty that schools no longer teach cursive writing. As she often said, “Your signature is a reflection of you.” Her beautiful, distinctive handwriting was proof of this.

Following her retirement, Kathy continued to substitute teach in Lowellville and she began organizing volunteers for the Ohio Reads program in Austintown. She kept busy with the “retired teachers” and all their adventures — bus trips to NYC, bowling, bocce, book clubs and countless breakfast and lunch get-togethers. Kathy loved to travel, especially trips to the beach, Las Vegas or a Caribbean cruise. She never passed up an opportunity to hit the slots (although she would say her sister was always the lucky one) and she loved to shop for a good deal. Kathy was an avid holiday baker and family members eagerly awaited her kolachi delivery every Christmas.

Above all, Kathy was fiercely loyal to her family and friends. She often said her daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren were her life — and that was evident in how she lived every day. She took on regular babysitting duties with the grandkids when they were young and learned her way around all the nature centers, Kindermusik classes and story times the West Side of Cleveland and Akron had to offer. Of course, she played a role in their early education, spending hours reading, writing and doing flash cards. She was known to drop everything to support her daughter whenever she needed help — often for days or weeks at a time. She was an incredible mother who was ever present and whose love and support were unconditional.

Kathy is survived by her beloved daughter, Kellie Kane Friery, and her husband, Neil Friery of Green; brother, George Ritz of Canfield; and brother, Len Ritz, and his wife, Brenda Ritz of Canfield; as well as her nephew, Brian Prior; and niece, Rachel Ritz. Kathy’s two grandchildren, Noah Friery and Maddie Friery, were the absolute center of her world.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Rita Ritz Prior; brother, John J. Ritz Jr.; sister-in-law, Judy Ritz; and niece, Jessica Ritz.

Kathy’s legacy is one of kindness, generosity and joy, woven through decades of teaching and a life devoted to others. She will be deeply missed.

The family will receive visitors 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025, at Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home, 2726 Center Road, Poland, OH 44514. A funeral service will begin at 6 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

(special notice)