After 101 years of a life overflowing with love, strength, nurturing, and hard work, our beautiful mother, Carylin Balchak, went to her rest on March 23 at the Gardens at Liberty Park in Streetsboro.
Carylin was born to John and Margaret Hovanec in Uniontown, PA, on June 28, 1922. Her large family suffered the hardships of the Great Depression and World War II. Carylin married the love of her life, Frank, in 1944, and enjoyed 61 years of happiness until his passing. Frank and Carylin moved to Akron in 1954, and, after a series of moves, in 1955 joined St. Paul Catholic Church, which became their vital spiritual and social hub. Besides educating her children at St. Paul, Carylin was a dedicated member and officer of its Ladies Guild, Mission Society, and other groups, for over 50 years. Carylin was well-known for her delicious cooking, amazing sewing skills, and creative craft ideas. She and her husband operated Carylin's Catering during the 1980s and 90s. She provided her children and
grandchildren with countless handmade dresses, coats, wedding gowns, baby blankets, and outfits through the years. Carylin was valued as a thoughtful and dependable neighbor throughout her six decades on Sunset Avenue.
Carylin was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Frank Balchak, beloved daughter, Barbara Porter, treasured son-in-law, Dave Case, adored great-granddaughter, Maddy Perella, and many siblings.
She leaves to remember her with love, gratitude, and admiration, her children, Kathy Case, Frank (Susan) Balchak, Tom Balchak, Gerry (Ron) Slipski, and Carrie Pearce, 18 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren, cherished sister, Ellie Jewett, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Friends may call from 5 to 7 pm on Wednesday, March 27, at the Anthony Funeral Home Kucko-Anthony-Kertesz Chapel, 1990 South Main Street in Akron. Funeral services will be at 10:00 am on Thursday, March 28, at St. Paul Catholic Church, 1580 Brown Street, Akron. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Akron. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in Carylin's memory to the Hospice of Summa Foundation by visiting https://www.summahealth.org/foundation/ways-to-give/give-now .
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