Irene Pavlich Blike

Irene Blike (nee Pavlich), 96, died on August 26, 2023.
Born in Akron, Irene was a graduate of Garfield High Schooland the University of Akron with a BS in education and a MS in special education. She started teaching at Silver Lake Elementary and continued with the Summit and Akron Public schools, retiring in 1987.
She was a member of St. Michael's Byzantine Catholic Church since birth and was active in youth and teaching activities. Upon closure of St. Michael's, she joined St. Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church and was a member of St. Ann's Ministry and the Rosary Society. She was involved in GCU activities and enjoyed the camaraderie of the Firestone Park Garden Club. (With sons living in CA, NH and PA,) Group family reunions and traveling and visits gave her much joy and happiness.
Irene was preceded in death by her best friend and loving husband, Joe; parents, John and Verona Pavlich; brothers, John, George, Peter and sisters Veronica, Mary Lazar and Helen Madden.
Surviving are sons James, Jeffery (Nancy), Thomas, Dr. George (Dr. Rebecca) and grandchildren: David, Gregory, Denise, Shannon, Daniel, Andrew, Sara, Samuel, Geoffrey and Julia and sister in law, Jeanette Clegg and many special nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends at the Anthony Funeral Home Kucko-Anthony-Kertesz Chapel, 1990 S. Main St. in Akron on Thursday, August 31st, from 5-7 pm with a Parastas beginning at 6:30 pm. A funeral service will take place at St. Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church 1051 Robinson Ave. in Barberton on Friday, September 1st, 10:00 am, where Irene will lie in state for one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at St. Michael Cemetery in Mogadore.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Akron Hunger Center 350 Opportunity Parkway, Akron, OH 44307-2234 or to the Barberton Area Food Bank 939 Norton Ave, Barberton OH 44203. (Anthony, www.anthonyfh.com AKRON)