Helen Struharik

NORTON -- Helen Struharik, 97, died August 16, 2014, at the Lantern of Madison in Madison, Ohio. A first generation American of Hungarian descent, she was born August 4, 1917 on 19th St. in Barberton to Steve and Mary Gaspar. She attended Barberton High School, graduating in 1935 as salutatorian of her class, and later graduated from Actual Business College. A Norton-Barberton area resident for most of her life, Helen lived on Easton Rd. in Norton for 66 years, where she and her husband of 59 years, Paul, raised their family.

They married on Christmas Eve 1938, and Helen was a homemaker for most of her life, but she still found time for hobbies and community service. A member of Trinity Lutheran Church of Norton, she taught the kindergarten Sunday School class for 23 years. She was also a member of the Norton Firemen's Ladies Auxiliary, the Akron Croatian Club, and the Akron/Barberton International Folk Dance Club. Helen was an excellent cook and baker. Her meals, cookies and baked goods were a special treat for family and friends. She also found great enjoyment in tending her flower garden and landscaping her home. But her greatest legacy was the loving home she provided for her family, and her kindness to others.

The family wishes to thank the neighbors and friends in the Norton-Barberton area who were so good to our Mom over the years. Their support enabled her to stay in the home she loved for as long as was possible. Helen then moved to the Lantern of Madison in 2007, where she could be close to her son Paul and granddaughter Maryfrance and her family. We also thank the staffs of the Lantern of Madison and the Hospice of the Western Reserve for the excellent and compassionate care Mom received.

Preceded in death by her husband, Paul, and sister, Mary (Mark) Dokich, Helen is survived by her sons Paul (H'Lum) of Salt Springs, Florida, and Steve (Jean) of Myersville, Maryland; five grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and many loving nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be held Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2014, 3:30 PM at SILVA-HOSTETLER FUNERAL HOME, 1199 Wooster Rd W., Barberton, Rev. Barbara Holzhauser officiating. Interment at Lakewood Cemetery. Calling hours Tuesday August 26, 5-8 PM, and Wednesday 1 hour before the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Trinity Lutheran Church of Norton, 3281 S. Cleveland-Massilon Rd., Norton, OH 44203, or to the charity of one's choice. www.silva-hostetler.com (SILVA-HOSTETLER, 330-825-8700330-825-8700)

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