Obituary of Evelyn Mae Tkacik

God is holding a raffle so he sent his angels to find the world's best ticket seller. They took our precious Evy on February 22, 2013. She went peacefully with family at her side. She was preceded in death by her dear parents Charles and Mary Zekan, her loving husband John, brothers John and Bill, sisters Anne, Martha, Helen and Elizabeth, brother-in-law Eddie, and sister-n-law Sophie. She is survived by her loving children Debi, Joy (partner Sheree), Crissy, Mary (partner Bob Miller), and Casey; grandchildren Hillary (Jessie) Pointer — both of U.S. Air Force, T.J. and Jessica Russell; great­-granddaughter Jada. She is also survived by sister Marjorie Yanik of Myrtle Beach and sister-in-law Helen Koteles of Barberton, plus numerous nieces, nephews, friends, and special niece Tina Buehrle. Born September 9, 1932, Evy grew up in Kenmore where she graduated from Kenmore HS, and then was a Barberton resident for her whole adult life. She and her dear Johnny, her life-long friend, were married for 59 years. Evy worked many interesting jobs including the midnight shift at Fairlawn Baulan's, the Smorgasboard of Stow, and secretary at Hickory Lane Farm. Evy was known for her countless years of volunteering and fundraising for area churches, schools, hospitals, and most notably IBH, where she helped organize the golf outing, night at the races, and numerous other activities. So many organizations and churches would call Mom to sell the raffle tickets they themselves could not, knowing she could sell them in a day. Mom could sell a ticket to anyone, anywhere, at any time. When she called, people wouldn't say hello, they would ask how much or how many. Evy was known for her Russian traditions and stories, her love of polka music, back yard picnics, her wonderful cooking, and especially her baking. Never telling her secrets, she always said "you will get the recipes when I am gone." Well, Mom, we are looking! The family will receive friends on Wednesday, from 4-8 pm, at the Anthony Funeral Home KUCKO-ANTHONY-KERTESZ CHAPEL, 1990 S. Main St. in Akron. Funeral services will take place on Thursday, at 10:00 am, at St. Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church on Robinson Ave. in Barberton, where the family will again receive friends for one hour prior to the service. Memorials may be made to the Haven of Rest or to the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine, 5232 Broadview Road, Richfield, OH 44286. We would like to thank the staff of Pebble Creek Nursing Home and Hospice of Visiting Nurse for their wonderful care during Evy's last days. Thanks also to Dr. Matos for all of his special care over the years. A special thanks to Evy's flower girl, niece Michele Nichols, who was always there for her Aunt Evy. And if I go, while you're still here... Know that I live on, vibrating to a different measure -behind a thin veil you cannot see through. You will not see me, so you must have faith. I wait the time when we can soar together again, -both aware of each other. Until then, live your life to its fullest. And when you need me, just whisper my name in your heart, ...I will be there. We Love You Mom, Your Five Diamonds.