Jessie P. Bogdan, "Mickey", (Nee Koscik)

Jessie Bogdan passed December 22 at age 93. Born July 31, 1921, she spent her entire life in Akron , mostly in North Hill. She loved her Magnolia Ave neighborhood and its residents, living there the last 31 years as a widow. She was member of St. Hedwig’s Catholic Church for over 80 years until it closed.

She’d say, “I am so much a bother to all of you,” then delight hearing back, “But you’re worth it.”

Mickey’s life was all about her family -- her 40 year marriage to husband Bill and with her life-long best friends, consisting of her three younger sisters and their families. She was devoted to her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

In an age when women are defined by their professional achievements, homemaker Mickey would often lament that her obituary would have nothing worth mentioning. But ...

She spent many years taking trips with her grandchildren. Bus rides, movies, Archie, Santa and even to Memphis and Graceland . She created many great memories and traditions for us all with sleepovers, baking, cooking lessons and playing Uno. Even though she was less active she was able to create memories with her great grandchildren too. They enjoyed their Sunday visits drawing her pictures or showing off their reading and writing skills. She saved them all.

Grandma was our nanny and first teacher. She taught us to read and write and was always there for us if we were sick or sad. She comforted us with hugs, homemade snacks and cards.

Mickey had many outstanding traits. Among them were strength, independence, wit and a sense of fashion. She stayed independent for many years despite not ever driving. She will be remembered for her golden curls and trendy blouses. Mickey stayed on top of the fashion world always searching for the right pair of shoes. Her sense of humor and quick wit always stayed with her. She was always good for a laugh and made many people smile.

She was a wonderful person that meant so much to all of her loved ones. She prided herself on being "very lovable" and she was.

With her son Bill and daughter Dottie watching over her on earth and her family of Angels taking care of her from above, Mickey was able to lead a full and rich life. She was there to support us and encourage us always no matter what. She said she would do anything for us and she meant it.

Despite not feeling useful to anyone as time went on she never understood that just her presence and love was her contribution. Knowing she was there was all we needed.

Just as she believed Angels watched over her, we are all comforted knowing that she will now be our Angel in heaven taking care of us. We know she will continue to bless us with her spirit and take care of us just as she did on earth.

Preceded in death by parents Damian and Apolonia Koscik, husband, William, sisters Jean Hyatt, Stella Labbe, and Stephanie Murray. She is survived by sister-in-law Irene Enoch (and family); brother-in-law Harold Murray; children William M Bogdan (Karen) and Dorothy Brown (Robert); grandchildren Timothy Brown (Heidi Bartholomew), Kim Brown, Kelly Chesney (Max), Erin Brown, Kristina Young, and Keith Bogdan; and by great grandchildren Katelin, Alison, Colin, Gavin, and Michael; and by “the Koscik cousins.”

The family would like to thank Darla and Rex Snodgrass, Elaine Marzuola, and Colleen Androsky and her new found friends at St. Vincent ’s Church for making Mickey’s last years more pleasurable.

In lieu of flowers, Mickey had requested donations to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

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