Serving the Ohio Valley Since 1949

Obituaries

Susan Gerrek

9/22/1911 - 3/16/2016

Text:

Obituary For Susan Gerrek

Susan Gerrek, 104 years old, peacefully passed away in her sleep at the Holy Family Hospice, Parma, Ohio, on March 16, following a long illness. She was born in Lozin, Czechoslovakia on September 22, 1911, to Andrew Sabol and Anna Sivak. She came to America at the age of 9, along with her mother, sister, grandmother and aunt. They arrived through Ellis Island in 1920. Her immediate family settled in Follansbee, W.Va. Susan learned to speak English through the Russian Orthodox Church in Mingo, Ohio. As a young woman, she worked in the Follansbee Glass Factory. She did not work outside the home after marrying Michael Gerrek on June 14, 1930. Mr.Gerrek died in 1990. They lived in Steubenville for about 25 years. Prior to her death, Susan lived at the Wyngate Senior Living Community , Weirton, for about four years. Susan attributed her longevity to the physical work of caring for three children, gardening, maintaining a home, baking, and of course, cooking. Among other things, she baked delicious nut rolls, bread, and banana cake. As a young mother, she enjoyed sewing. All of her adult life she crocheted beautiful table cloths, doilies, doll clothes, dresses for her daughter and grand-daughters and afghans for numerous family members and friends. She loved to dance, and did so with one of her grandsons at his wedding when she was in her 70’s. Susan loved dolls, and made sure her daughter, grand-daughters, and great-grand-daughters all had dolls. She enjoyed listening to the Pittsburgh Pirates and Cleveland Indians baseball games. Susan will be missed by many friends and care givers, and especially her family. She leaves behind sons Michael, North Royalton; John, Olmsted Falls, and daughter Millie Lewis (Phillip), Indianapolis, IN. Brother Andrew Sabol II, nephew Andrew Sabol III (Kim), and great-niece Kathryn. Grandchildren Michael, Stephen (Stephanie), Ellen, John, Michelle Sobat (Scott), Marla, Judy Klomfahs (Paul), and Monica, niece Tillie Meno, nephew, John Meno, great-niece Airry (Michael) Schultz, and son Joshua. Also, niece Shirley Santora and her children, and sister-in-law Helen Louise Gerrek and daughters, and step-nephew Fred Huisjack. Great-grandchildren: Emma, Madeline, Nicholas (Katie), Samuel, Jacob, Stephanie, Christopher, Grace, Tess, and Gabriel. A Celebration of Life Service for Susan will take place on Saturday, March 19, at 11:00 AM at St. Andrew’s Russian Orthodox Church, St. Andrews Drive, Mingo Junction, Ohio 43938 with visitation starting at 10:00 AM.

Photos & Video

Add New Photos & Video

Condolences

  • 09/03/2024

    Shirley Santora and family

    Please know that we are thinking of you and your family during this time of sorrow.

  • 09/03/2024

    Vicki Boyd

  • 09/03/2024

    Jim Bruhn, Triadelphia High, 1952

    Dear John, Sr. & family Our blessings and prayers to you and your dear mother. Jim & Karen Bruhn

  • 09/03/2024

    Jim Bezak

    I was sorry to hear of the passing of Susan. My condolences to the entire family.I knew of her as cousin Susie, never met her, but heard of her often from my mother Mary Bezak who was her cousin and who passed about three years ago at age 96. When I would be visiting my mother I always jumped to attention when I answered her stern sounding calls and knew that I needed to pass the phone to my mother rather promptly but loved hearing the one sided conversation. I was greatly humbled from hearing about the difficult lives they led yet how they both managed to find much joy and happiness throughout their lives. I greatly miss them both.

  • 09/03/2024

    Debbie,Ashley and Matthew Firm

  • 09/03/2024

    Stephanie Keller

Add a Candle or Spiritual Image

Click below to add to your message.