Marcia Jean Harmych

Marcia Jean Harmych, age 73, of Avon, Ohio, passed away on Saturday, August 29, 2026, surrounded by her loved ones at University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center in Cleveland, Ohio. Born on February 26, 1953, in Lorain, Ohio, Marcia was the beloved daughter of the late Arthur J. and Elvira (Thomas) Rufo. Marcia dedicated her life to helping others through education. She attended Bowling Green State University and Cleveland State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Health and Special Education and a Master's Degree in Education and School Counseling. During a distinguished 30-year career, she served school districts throughout Northeast Ohio and ultimately retired from Avon Lake City Schools. Marcia left a lasting impact on countless students, families, colleagues, and friends through her guidance and unwavering commitment to helping others. Marcia inherited many of her greatest qualities from her parents. From her father, "Art," she inherited a strong work ethic and perseverance. From her mother, "Ollie," she learned compassion, patience, and the ability to truly listen. She had a remarkable gift for understanding people and solving problems. That gift ultimately led her to become a school counselor, where she supported and encouraged students and families throughout her career. Marcia was always looking forward to her next adventure or project. She served as an organizer of the original Avon Festival of Flowers for many years and volunteered as both a volleyball and softball coach. Volleyball held a special place in her heart and was a sport she loved to play. Marcia also developed Simply Organic Laundry, a homemade laundry soap she produced in her basement and grew into a product sold online and through retail stores across the United States. Marcia loved searching for hidden treasures at thrift stores and estate sales, always seeing possibilities where others might not. Over time, she became an expert in vintage jewelry and collectibles. In retirement, she turned that passion into a successful eBay business that kept her busy for more than ten years. One of her favorite pastimes was exploring Northeast Ohio with her husband, Richie. They especially enjoyed taking walks and bike rides through the Metro Parks and discovering new local restaurants together. Above all, Marcia's greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend whose love, guidance, and support touched generations. Nothing brought her greater happiness than spending time with her children and grandchildren and watching them grow through every stage of life, from their first steps and first days of school to graduations and beyond. She cheered from the sidelines at their sporting events and throughout life's milestones, and in the hard moments "Grandma Ohio" was their biggest fan. Marcia is survived by her beloved husband, Richard Harmych; her children, Shannon Starcher, Daniel A. Barnicle, Paul Harmych (Amy), Aaron Harmych (Dineen), Amanda Paine (Jeff), and Kendall Harmych; her sister, Bonnie Morosi; her brother-in-law, Floro Miraldi; her niece, Carla Miraldi; her grandchildren, Nicholas ("Nico") Starcher (Catherine), Griffin Starcher, Isabella Starcher, Giselle Starcher, Alexander Harmych, Jonathan Harmych, Payton Harmych, Brailyn Harmych, and Malenkaya Harmych; and many cherished cousins, extended family members, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur J. and Elvira Rufo; her beloved sister, Nancy Miraldi; and stepson, Frank Jason Harmych. The family will receive friends on Friday, September 11, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Busch Funeral Home, 32000 Detroit Road, Avon, Ohio 44011. A Mass and closing prayers will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Peter Catholic Church, 35777 Center Ridge Road, North Ridgeville, Ohio 44039, interment to follow at Calvary Cemetery in Lorain. Her legacy lives on through the lives she touched, the friendships she shared, and the family she loved and cherished so deeply. Well done, good and faithful servant. [www.buschcares.com](https://www.buschcares.com)440-937-6175