1. Mary Frances Ball Gorman, of Akron, Dies at Age 99
2. Mary Frances Ball Gorman, Akron, Passes Away at 99.
Mary Frances Ball Gorman Passes Away at Age 99
(PRESS RELEASE) Mary Frances Ball Gorman, a prominent figure in the jewelry industry, peacefully passed away on February 14, 2024, at the age of 99. Born and raised in Lakewood, Ohio, Mary dedicated nearly 70 years of her life to the family business, Henry B. Ball Co, which was established in 1915.
Mary Gorman
September 9, 1924 — February 14, 2024
At the age of 24, Mary joined the family business after marrying her first husband, W. Henry Skip Ball. She was a trailblazer in the industry, becoming one of the first women to earn prestigious titles such as GRADUATE GEMOLOGIST from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and CERTIFIED GEMOLOGIST APPRAISER from the American Gem Society (AGS).
Mary’s expertise in gemstones took her to various mines around the world, including Tanzania, Ceylon, Australia, Japan, and South Africa. Her dedication and knowledge earned her numerous accolades and positions of leadership within the industry. She served on the Board of Directors for the American Gem Society, Jewelers of America, and Jewelers Vigilance Committee. Additionally, Mary was the past President of the Ohio Jewelers Association and the Ohio Guild of the AGS.
A Life of Dedication and Community Involvement
Mary’s commitment extended beyond the jewelry business. She actively participated in her community, delivering speeches on gemstones and volunteering her time for various organizations. She served on the Woman’s Board of the Ohio Ballet, the Board of Governors of the World Series of Golf, and the Women’s Board at St. Thomas Hospital. Mary was also a member of the Junior League of Akron and the Akron Bluecoats.
Tragically, Mary was preceded in death by both of her husbands, W. Henry Skip Ball and Thomas Gorman, as well as her son, Fr. Damian Ball, O.P. She is survived by her sons, James Ball of Orlando, Fla., Thomas Ball, Robert (Patricia) Ball, and her daughters, Barbara (John) Dietrich, all of Akron, and Nancy (Patrick) Martin Looby of Lake Forest, IL. Mary also leaves behind 13 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.
Remembering Mary Gorman
The family will receive friends on Thursday, February 22, 2024, from 10-11am at St. Sebastian Church. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11 a.m., and internment will take place at Rose Hill.
To honor Mary Gorman’s memory, the family has requested that memorial trees be planted or flowers be sent. Visit our flower store or order memorial trees to pay your respects.
Mary Gorman’s legacy as a pioneering woman in the jewelry industry and her contributions to her community will be remembered and cherished by all who knew her.
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– Mary Frances Ball Gorman Akron
– Dies at Age 99 Mary Frances Ball Gorman.
