MARIE D. SHAKER

It is with profound sadness that the family of Marie DiFranco Shaker announces her sudden passing on September 22, 2026.

Marie is survived by her children, Anthony Shaker (Kelly), Georgette Shaker Rech (Michael), Daniel Shaker (Sheri), and Dr. Maria Shaker (Benjamin Greggor). While her children were her greatest triumphs, her grandchildren - Nathan Shaker, Evalina and Luke Rech, Abigail and Mason Shaker, and Emira Rose Greggor - brought her abundant joy.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 61 years, George Shaker; her infant brother, Pietro DiFranco; and her parents, Federico and Emira DiFranco (née Centracchio).

Born the first-generation daughter of Italian immigrants from Rionero Sannitico, Italy, Marie proudly carried her heritage throughout her life. She honored her parents’ immigrant legacy in countless ways, most notably by preserving traditions, paying homage to sacrifices made, and adopting their resiliency and resourcefulness. Marie raised her children with these values and encouraged her grandchildren to live by these standards as well.

A proud alumna of the John Adams High School Class of 1960, Marie demonstrated many scholastic and athletic talents. She cheered on the Rebels as a majorette; she excelled in Spanish language class (she might have had a slight advantage with Italian as her first language); and she was chosen by classmates to participate in student government. Marie remained a committed alumna, keeping in touch with classmates and attending events when she was able.

She must have had a soft spot in her heart for Mediterranean cultures as she fell in love with a Lebanese immigrant with whom she worked at Standard Knitting Mill. She embraced George’s culture as her own and worked hard to learn about the cuisines and traditions of Lebanon. Together, they built a family rooted in love, traditions, laughter, their Catholic faith, and food... lots of pasta, meatballs, grape leaves, and koosa.

If you knew Marie, you knew she was proud of many things, and her career as a distinguished Jones Day legal secretary ranked near the top of that list. She took tremendous pride in her work, earning the respect of many lawyers, colleagues, and friends through her professionalism, meticulous attention to detail, and legendary typing and short-hand skills. Her career was more than a job; it was a source of accomplishment and identity that she embraced wholeheartedly.

Nothing made her happier in life than being surrounded by family. She reveled in her children’s successes, helped them troubleshoot (and worry about) their challenges, and fed them, even when they insisted they weren’t hungry. Known affectionately as Nana, Nina, or Nonni, her grandchildren lit up her life. She showered them with endless love, gifts, and sugary treats.

While she was an only child by circumstance, she never lacked for family and friends. She dearly treasured her cousins and in-laws as siblings, nurturing those relationships throughout her life and ensuring that family ties remained strong across generations. She earned a reputation as an otherworldly godmother, guiding a long list of godchildren through life. As she grew older, neighborhood friendships became important sources of simple joys, anchoring her even more deeply to the comfort of her home.

Marie epitomized Cleveland sports fandom. She may not have attended many games, but she followed in her father’s footsteps listening to the call of the Indians-turned-Guardians on the radio, retreating to the quiet of her room when the games were close and the stakes were high. Marie playfully referred to José Ramírez as her "boyfriend". She loyally cheered on the Cavs and the Browns, as well. Thankfully, Geno Auriemma (another "boyfriend") and the UConn Huskies rewarded her loyalty with championships. Most importantly, however, you couldn’t find a bigger fan at her own children’s sporting events. She loved them all. Whether it was baseball, basketball, football, cheerleading, volleyball, or even ice-skating, you could feel her competitive spirit willing her children on to success from her seat in the stands.

The family is eternally grateful to the caregivers who provided Marie with compassionate care, allowing her to live comfortably at home. Brenda, Celeste, Sheria, Florence, and many others unexpectedly found a place in the hearts of Marie and her family and will forever remain honorary family members.

Marie’s legacy lives on in the family she adored, the traditions she preserved, the laughter she inspired, and the countless lives she touched through her kindness, devotion, and unmistakable personality.

She will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Funeral Mass Friday, October 2, St. Angela Merici Church (20970 Lorain Rd., Fairview Park) at 10 A.M. Entombment Holy Cross Cemetery. Friends may call at CHAMBERS FUNERAL HOME of NORTH OLMSTED, 29150 LORAIN RD. AT STEARNS RD., THURSDAY 4-7 P.M.