Genevieve Helen (Jusczcak) Turlik

Genevieve "Gigi" Helen Turlik (née Jusczcak), 97, the beloved family matriarch, passed away peacefully on April 5, 2021, joining the Lord and her loving husband of 64 years, John, who preceded her in death by one year and two days.

Gigi was born in Akron on October 5, 1923. A graduate of the Idabelle Firestone School of Nursing, Gigi earned her Master's degree from The University of Akron, where she then taught for many years until her retirement in 1989. Her professional career as a nurse and educator spanned four decades and took her to San Francisco, Honolulu, and eventually back to Akron where she met and fell in love with her future husband, John. She was a longtime resident of Firestone Park and parishioner of St. Paul Catholic Church.

Gigi loved Polka music and Croatian line dancing, which undoubtedly contributed to her longevity. She played the balalaika in a local ensemble, was an avid reader, especially of mystery novels, and enjoyed playing cards and other games. Gigi loved telling jokes, and she took on the role of family jokester after John's passing. She was proud of her Polish-American heritage, and her favorite Polish sayings were "Ja cie kocham" (I love you) and "Daj mi buzi" (Give me a kiss). Phone calls often ended in a chuckle with another phrase she taught the kids, "sześć dolarów" (six dollars).

Her true passion, though, was her large and close family, which was evident in nearly everything she did. She is survived by sons John (Vicki) of Philadelphia, PA, Greg (Denese) of Norton, OH, and Kevin (Margie) of Eldersburg, MD; daughters Mariane Simon of Long Beach, CA, Milissa (Tony) Carroll of Hilliard, OH, and Janine (Craig) Aines of Agoura Hills, CA; 13 grandchildren; and six great grandchildren, including the youngest two, Charlotte and Cece, whom she so wanted to meet and hold in her loving arms. In addition to her husband, Gigi was preceded in death by her parents Felix and Mariana Jusczcak (née Robak); sister, Esther Cornell; brothers Felix and Ted Jusczcak; and son-in-law Ira Simon.

A celebration of Gigi's long and remarkable life was held with family April 9 following her funeral mass and interment. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Gigi's name to a charity of your choice.

Ja cie kocham Mom, Gigi.

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