Barbara Catherine Petak

Barbara Catherine Petak, 99, passed away peacefully at 12:36 p.m. on Thursday October 6, 2022 at the Continuing Healthcare at the Ridge surrounded by her loving family. Barb as she was affectionately known, was born at home in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on December 1, 1922 the daughter of Matthew and Katarina (Baric) Yanci and came to this area as a child. Her parents immigrated from Austria to provide a better life for their family.

She was a member of Saint Stephen Church and employed in the quality control department of Packard Electric Company for over 31 years and retired in December of 1981. Following retirement, Barb went on to volunteer for 21 years at Trumbull Memorial Hospital.  She was a graduate of Niles McKinley High School and enjoyed bowling at Echo Lanes with her daughters Mary C. Kachurik, Dorothy A. Fonce and granddaughter Karen E. Phillips. To say Barbara was an avid reader is an understatement. As one granddaughter commented, "She always had her nose in a book" She passed that love of reading on to many grandchildren and great grandchildren. In her later years she enjoyed scratching off lottery tickets, going to lunch with friends, and an occasional outing to the casino.

Barb was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and the love of her life Andrew R. Petak whom she married February 4, 1941 and he died August 24, 1980, two daughters Mary C. Kachurik who died June 10, 2017 and Dorothy Ann Fonce who died October 8, 2019, two sisters Dorothy Yanci and Mary Ahel.

Barbara is survived by a daughter, Donna Allison of Bucyrus, eight grandchildren; Carollyn Finegold of Fair Lawn, NJ., Gary Fonce of Warren, Karen (Mickey) Phillips of Warren, John Kachurik of Cortland, Stephanie (Terry) Perkins, Andrew (Donna) Allison, Jessica Allison, Katherine Allison all of Bucyrus, 15 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren, as well as nieces, nephews and countless friends that have looked after her over the years.

At her request, there will be a private service for immediate family at All Souls Cemetery. Barbara's family would like to express a special thank you to the staff and residents of the Eastwood Arms Apartments in Niles where she lived on her own for over 25 years. They watched over her, befriended her and took care of her when family could not be there. We are extremely grateful.

Funeral arrangements by the Holeton-Yuhasz Funeral Home, 126 West Park Avenue, Niles, Ohio 44446 330-652-4311.