Katherine "Kitty" Brazer Pelanda

KATHERINE ("KITTY") BRAZAR PELANDA, 87, of Canton passed away November 2nd; born August 29, 1931 to Paul and Anna Brazar in Canton. Predeceased by her husband of 63 years, Raymond V. Pelanda, and survived by children Raymond (Candice), Kevin, Melanie Myers (Jacob), and Kenneth (Lynda); ten grandchildren, and sister-in-law, Mary Pelanda Weibush of Orlando, Florida. A woman of great faith, she leaves her family a legacy of that faith, love and joy of family, and dedicated work ethic. Katherine graduated from Alliance High School and earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees (Speech Pathology and Reading Specialization) at Kent State University. She began her career as Executive Director and Speech Pathologist at the Community Rehabilitation Center. She then became a school Speech and Hearing Therapist in Jackson and Alliance school systems. While an adjunct lecturer at Kent State University (1965-1978) she co-authored a textbook for voice and diction courses. She then served as Assistant Superintendent of Massillon State Hospital, (now Heartland Behavorial Health) (1979-1981). She was adjunct professor at University of Mount Union (1985-2010). Katherine belonged to Gamma Phi Beta social fraternity at KSU and Kappa Delta Pi professional fraternity. From 1960-2000 she served on boards of the Stark County Mental Health Association and the Stark County Board of Mental Health. In 1999 she received the Junior League's President's Award for her mental health service. She also served as board member for the Canton Jewish Community Center and the Friends of the Library. In 2009, she was awarded Honorary Membership in the Canton Rotary Club. She was listed in Who's Who in the Midwest (1979) and World's Who's Who of Women of 1981. Katherine belonged to Basilica of St. John the Baptist where she served as Lay Lector and Co-Chairman of the Sesquicentennial Celebration. The family wishes to thank Crossroads Hospice and the home-health-care staff of Elixir Care for their excellent care. Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday at 10 a.m. at the Basilica of St. John the Baptist with The Very Reverend John E. Sheridan, STL-Rector as celebrant. Burial will be in North Canton Cemetery. Friends may call Monday from 6-8 p.m. at the Lamiell Funeral Home. Memorials may be Masses for Katherine or contributions to Basilica of St. John the Baptist Church, Canton Rotary Charitable Fund or Alliance High School Foundation.