Frances H. Momchilov

BARBERTON---Frances (Zakraysek) Momchilov, 98, a Barberton native, passed away Sunday, Nov. 11, 2012, and is at peace.


For 42 years, Frances and her husband, the late Eli Momchilov, worked side-by-side, along with many family members, at Momchilov's Meat Market on South Second Street in Barberton. Their turn-of-the-century country store with its hickory smokehouse became famous for the Slovenian sausage they created. Through the years, they produced thousands of pounds of their special recipe. Requests came from all over the country -- from Hollywood to New York -- and the world -- as far away as Korea, Japan, Germany and Vietnam.


Born on May 1, 1914, Frances was a charter member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Barberton (now Prince of Peace). She was a member of the Altar Society Mother of Sorrows for 65 years, K.S.K.J. Lodge, Domovina Lodge, Slovenian Pensioners and Barberton Senior Citizens. For 50 years, she was a member of the Mission Rosary Society, making rosaries, assembling Sacred Heart medals and helping missionary priests.

Frances was devoted to her family. She is especially remembered for her delicious home cooking and handmade pastries. Family and friends knew they always would be welcomed at her door with the greeting: "Eat. Eat. Eat."


She is survived by daughter Bernadine Irwin (Jim), Barberton; son Larry Momchilov (Joan Rice), Rootstown; daughter Donna Sukie (Louie), Barberton; 13 grandchildren, Diane Momchilov, Barberton; Christine Klempay (Rich), Westerville, Ohio; Susan Yonkin (John), Carrollton, Texas; Butch Momchilov, Barberton; Colleen Manion (Ed), Seven Fields, Pa.; Doug Coupland (Kate), Chicago; Bernie Fricke (Dave), Quakertown, Pa.; Kathy Coupland, Barberton; Butch Sukie (Stephanie), Barberton; Mark Sukie, Middleburg Heights; and Tom, Denise and Donna Sukie, Barberton; 14 great-grandchildren, six great-great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews, to whom she was "Aunt Fanny."


She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 50 years, Eli, who passed away in 1984; an infant daughter; parents, Frank and Mary Zakraysek; brother, Frank Zakraysek; and sisters, Mary Somerick and Jennie Struckel.


She left a poem (author unknown) "to those I love and those who love me."

When I am gone, release me, let me go.

I have so many things to see and do.

You mustn't tie yourself to me with tears,

Be thankful for our beautiful years.

I gave to you my love,

You can only guess,

How much you gave to me in happiness.

I thank you for the love you each have shown,

But now it's time I traveled on alone.

So grieve a while for me if grieve you must,

Then let your grief be comforted by trust.

It's only for a time that we must part,

So bless the memories within your heart.

I won't be far away, for life goes on,

So if you need me, call and I will come.

Though you can't see or touch me, I'll be near,

And if you listen with your heart, you'll hear,

All my love around you soft and clear.

And then, when you must come this way alone,

I'll greet you with a smile and say,

"Welcome Home!"


Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 14, at SILVA-HOSTETLER FUNERAL HOME, 1199 Wooster Road West, Barberton. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 15, at Prince of Peace Church, 1263 Shannon Ave., Norton, with the Rev. Bob Jackson officiating (prayers at the funeral home will be at 9:30 a.m.). Interment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery in Akron.

The family wishes to thank Pleasant View Health Care Center in Barberton and Hospice of Medina for their care and compassion. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the ALS Association, Northern Ohio Chapter, 6155 Rockside Road, Suite 403, Independence, OH 44131, or Hospice of Medina, 5075 Windfall Road, Medina, OH 44256