About Marcia Stone

Raised in Akron, Marcia Stone has dedicated her life to both teaching its children and to its Jewish community.  She grew up as a member of Beth El and involved in the Shaw JCC (then the Akron Jewish Center). Marcia attended Kent State University earning a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in education. She was on her way to earning a Ph.D. when a friend’s husband introduced her to a guy he knew through the Buckeyes Club at the JCC— Don Stone.  That was 57 years ago.

Don and Marcia married and had two children, Pam and Jim. They now have four grandchildren as well. Right after Marcia and Don married, Marcia taught at Case Elementary in Akron, when it first opened. When her children were born, she worked as a substitute teacher and eventually as a teacher of children with emotional and social challenges or disabilities. After Marcia spent fourteen years of teaching children with special needs, the Stones retired and began living part time in Florida.

Marcia’s dedication to the Akron Jewish community is undeniable. She was a Beth El Board member, president of Na’Amat (Pioneer Women) for four years, and a life member of Hadassah and B’nai Brith Women. Marcia is also extremely generous to the Jewish and greater Akron community. As a a Lion of Judah, she endowed her Lion in both Akron and Florida. When asked why she endowed her Lion of Judah, Marcia replied, “The money will help me make a difference even after I am gone.”  Marcia and Don also established the Robert T. Stone MD Respiratory Center at Akron Children’s Hospital.

After many years of maintaining two homes, Marcia and Don decided to become full-time Florida residents. While Marcia and Don will no longer live in Akron, their presence is still as strong as ever.

About Rochelle Stone

Rochelle Stone was raised to be a volunteer leader. The lifetime Akronite began volunteering at the age of three, helping her mother count tax stamps for local non-profits. She also set tables for Hadassah events when she was young.

That early volunteering influenced Rochelle as an adult. She was the first female president of Beth El Congregation. In 1973, when Conservative congregations could count women in a minyan, Beth El began discussing women’s role in the congregation. They decided to make Rochelle a junior officer. She had two conditions before accepting: one she had to be on track to become president, and two, when she became president, women had to have equal religious rights. The board agreed to both requests. Because of her role as Beth El’s first female president, Rochelle considers herself a pioneer and her legacy to be equality for all congregants.

Rochelle was not only president of Beth El but also of the local chapter of Hadassah, Jewish Family Service (following her husband Bob), the Women’s Board of Children’s Hospital, and Mobile Meals (of which she was a founding member). She was also on the board of Jewish Community Board of akron, The Lippman School, Interfaith Caregivers as a founding member, and the Akron Interfaith Council. 

Not only did Rochelle make time to be a leader in the community, she and her husband Bob raised three children: Cindy (John), Randy (Larry), Jeff (Amy). They have two grandchildren, Daniel and Scout.

Rochelle and Bob Stone truly care about the community. They have established a fund at JCBA, The Robert and Rochelle PACE Fund, to benefit the Annual Campaign and other local charities. When it comes to leading, Rochelle continues to be a pioneer.

 

The Jewish Community Board of Akron will honor Marcia and Rochelle Stone for each woman's longtime dedication to the Akron Jewish community. Join us in celebrating them on Thursday, June 15 at 5:30 pm and/or with a greeting or ad in the Tribute Book. RSVP by June 8 to (330) 835-0005 or online here.