Helen Gromada

Helen Gromada, of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, formerly of Austintown and Youngstown, OH, peacefully passed away early the morning of August 1 in the company of her loving family. Helen was born January 17, 1922, in Campbell, Ohio. At age 2, she moved with her mother and siblings to a farm in Pulaski, PA, following the death of her father. Living on a farm and going to a one-room schoolhouse taught Helen the value of hard work. During WWII, Helen worked days on the farm and second shift as a billet checker at Republic Steel. Co-worker Joe Gromada introduced Helen to his younger brother, John, whom Helen married in April, 1946, following John's discharge from the US Navy. She made their first home in quarters above their landlord's home, filling photography orders and cleaning house in exchange for rent. In just 3 months, Helen had saved enough to add to John's Navy pay savings to buy their first home on the South Side of Youngstown. In 1954, while visiting former South Side neighbors, Helen found her "dream home" on Rexford Road, where she and John raised their daughters, Nancy and Judy. Helen was active in the PTA and was a Room Mother at Kirkmere School. Helen and husband John were longtime members of St. Christine Parish and later, Helen joined Austintown's St. Joseph's Parish. In Cuyahoga Falls, she was ministered by Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. Helen was devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary and prayed her rosary daily. In 1962, Helen was one of six students in the first class of Victor George's Beauty Academy. She operated "Helen's Hairstyling Salon," in her home. Helen loved to cut hair and give "a good perm" to neighbors, relatives and friends. Following John's death in 1978, Helen continued to operate her beauty shop and pursued her hobby of crocheting, a craft taught her by sister Mary Yankle and refined by former neighbor, Madge Woronka. Helen enjoyed trips to California and going to Reno, NV., where she saw Liberace, Wayne Newton, and Tony Orlando. She attended pro golf tournaments and met pro golfers Davis Love III, Johnny Miller, and Chi Chi Rodriquez. She also enjoyed baking kolachi, sewing and, watching NBA basketball and golf on TV. In 2002, Helen moved to Austintown, OH, to live with daughter, Nancy, who provided a wonderful home and care. Helen was responsible for turning Nancy into a Cleveland Cavaliers fan during the LeBron James years. Helen continued to crochet and made afghans and potholders for family, friends, neighbors, and her "grandcats". She completed over 200 afghans in her lifetime. Helen relocated to Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio in 2012. Despite physical challenges, Helen had an excellent memory, and could recite birth dates and anniversaries about extended family. Helen was immensely proud of both daughters, her son-in-law, her grandchildren and their spouses and adored her great-grandchildren. Helen is survived by daughter Nancy Linonis of Avon, OH, daughter Judy Mervis and son-in-law Michael of Cuyahoga Falls, granddaughter Jacquie Mayer and spouse David of Bay Village, OH, grandson John Linonis and spouse Bailey of Ely, MN, great-granddaughter Annabella Grace Mayer and great-grandson David Christopher Mayer. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, both on the "Kuzma" and "Gromada" sides. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Susan Gulic Kuzma, John, her husband of 29 years, brothers Michael, John, and George, sisters Mary, Ann, and Susan, and their spouses and by brothers-and sisters-in-law Joseph and Jean Gromada, Leo and Eleanor Gromada, Henry and Ann Lasky and Willis and Ann Dingess, former son-in-law Ed Linonis, and, more recently, nephews Frank Yankle, Pete Novosel and Daniel and Brandon Gromada. The family thanks Home Instead of Austintown, caregivers Irene, Angela and Lorrie, the Rehab team at The Briarwood, Stow OH, and Dr. Barbara Modic and Dr. Nancy Istanez. Special thanks from Helen's family go to the entire team at Bath Creek Estates, Cuyahoga Falls, Helen's final home on earth. Helen was respectfully and lovingly cared for and enjoyed happy times there. Helen often said of those who preceded her in death, their "work on earth is done." Now Helen's work on earth is done and she is at rest. The family respectfully requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the March of Dimes, ASPCA, the Brandon Gromada Head and Neck Cancer Foundation (www.gromadacancerfndn.org/donate), or VNS Akron General Foundation, 3358 Ridgewood Road, Akron, OH 44333. The family will receive guests during calling hours from 5-7pm on Tuesday, August 6 at Lane Family Funeral Homes, Austintown Chapel; 5797 Mahoning Avenue, Austintown, OH. To celebrate Helen's long life, the family encourages visitors to wear Helen's favorite color, purple, to visitation or to the Mass of Christian Burial at 11am, Wednesday, August 7, 2013 at St. Joseph's Church, Austintown. Rev. James Korda will officiate and burial following will take place at Calvary Cemetery.