The Tri-County Independent Living Center lost its heartbeat on Sunday when Executive Director Rosemarie Juriga died unexpectedly, after a fall while trimming a tree at her Tallmadge home.
“Her spirit was amazing. Her work was spectacular. Rose was feisty and a great advocate in helping those who were less fortunate — not just the disabled but anybody who needed a hand up. Her whole life was dedicated to giving voice to the have-nots,” said Sharon Connor, a friend and vice president of Tri-County’s board of directors.
Ms. Juriga, 66, led the agency, which serves people with disabilities in Summit, Stark and Portage counties, for 26 years. During her tenure, the organization expanded from a grass-roots initiative to a nonprofit advocacy and service agency and increased its funding from $75,000 to $500,000.
Described as a social justice warrior by those who knew her, Ms. Juriga also served disadvantaged youth as director of 7001 Training and Employment Center and spent time working at the Akron Community Service Center and Urban League, and Goodwill Industries of Akron.
She also dedicated her time and energy as co-chairwoman of the Tuff Stuff Committee; a member of the Ohio Multi-County Development Corp.; president and vice president of the Community Welfare Forum; a board member of Christmas in April; a member of the city of Akron, Mayor’s Commission on Children; a member of Bishop Anthony M. Pilla’s task force on the Church in the City, and a member of the United Way of Summit County Allocation Panel.
Ms. Juriga also served for 30 years as a member of the Catholic Commission of Summit County, including 10 years as chairwoman. Tom Allio, retired executive director of the Catholic Commission, said Ms. Juriga’s fingerprints are on every significant accomplishment of the organization.
“Summit County has lost one of the most principled, passionate and effective advocates for the poor, homeless, hungry, children, the forgotten, marginalized and physically and mentally challenged,” Allio said. “Rose was fearless in her advocacy and tireless in her efforts to effect social change.”
Ms. Juriga’s honors include the Michael Powell Humanitarian award, the Catholic Commission Bishop Cosgrove Justice Award, the Peter Bommarito Community Award and the Community Health Center Leaf of Life Award.
Allio and others characterized Ms. Juriga as a selfless person who worked tirelessly to secure social justice for the underprivileged. They agreed that her integrity and dedication for treating all people with dignity and respect was rooted in her faith.
“She was a relentless, fierce champion of the underdog and had a huge impact on changing laws, policies and attitudes toward the less fortunate. She spoke truth to power and never backed down,” said Akron Municipal Judge Kathryn Michael, a friend and member of the Tri-County board. “She just embodied the best of us in dealing with populations that were the most vulnerable. She will be missed by many, many people because she touched so many lives.”
Among the people hardest hit by Ms. Juriga’s death were members of the Tri-County staff, who promised to continue the organization’s mission as a way to honor her legacy.
“She built this agency from the ground up. If she saw a need, she figured out a way to meet that need. She was a very strong person, strong in her faith, strong in getting things done,” said Tina Seals, a friend and Tri-County’s office manager. “We are all grieving. She was our rock and we will carry on because she worked so hard for this center.”
Calling hours for Ms. Juriga are 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Anthony Funeral Home, Kucko-Anthony-Kertesz Chapel, 1990 S. Main St., Akron. The funeral service is at 10 a.m. Saturday at Visitation of Mary Catholic Church, 87 Broad St., Akron.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to All-Star Training Club of United Disability Services (www.allstartrainingclub.org), 701 S. Main St., Akron, OH 44311 or Tri-County Independent Living Center (www.tcilc.org), 680 E. Market St., Suite No. 205, Akron, OH 44304.
Miss Juriga is survived by a sister, Theresa (Maynard) Phillips; a special nephew whom she cared for, Carl Phillips; nephews Charles Weatherford and James (Kellie) Weatherford and a great-niece and nephew.
Colette Jenkins can be reached at 330-996-3731 or cjenkins@thebeaconjournal.com. She can be followed at www.twitter.com/ColetteMJenkins.