Gwen (Curtis) Rybarczyk

     Gwen Rybarczyk (nee Curtis), 84, of Lorain, entered into eternal life on July 2 at her home, surrounded by her loving family.
     Gwen was born in Lorain in January 1936, to the late Evan and Maria (nee Hughes) Curtis. She was a graduate of Lorain High School class of 1954A and was a lifetime member of the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, Lorain.
     She retired in 2000 following 20 years of service as the Auxiliary Services Coordinator for the Lorain City Schools. She had previously served the City of Lorain in the office of the Director of Safety/Service. 
     Gwen was a masterful cook and baker and served everything she made with love. Her incredible cakes, chocolate chip or oatmeal cookies, and pizzelles were undoubtedly a staple food group for her grandchildren. She loved reading and learning and enjoyed sharing that wisdom and knowledge with her children and grandchildren. She was an avid fan of the Cleveland Indians and college basketball. She appreciated a cold beer and visiting local social clubs and festivals with her husband John and their friends and family. Her good luck on the slot machines led her to enjoy a trip to the casinos, especially in Las Vegas. Gwen loved children and was blessed with the special gift of being able to instantly calm an unhappy baby or restless child. Most of all, whether it was watching a sporting event, attending a festival, or eating Sunday dinner, Gwen enjoyed spending time with her family, whom she fiercely loved. 
     Gwen is survived by her devoted husband of 60 years, John Rybarczyk; daughters, Jan Rybarczyk (Pogie) of Amherst, Karen Shawver (Dennis) of Lorain, Kris Lebrecht of Mount Prospect, IL, son John D. Rybarczyk (Kelley) of Avon Lake; and grandchildren Cory Shawver (Breanna), Kyle Shawver, Devan, Tate, and Kai Rybarczyk, and Cole Lebrecht. She taught all of us, by both her words and her actions, to be kind, work hard, and to show acceptance, respect, and especially love, to everyone. 
     In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother Thomas G. Curtis. She is also survived by a sister, Margaret Hunger (Charles). 
     Gwen was an incredibly kind, loving, and generous person. Her generosity was felt by many and she would prefer that resources be used to help those in need.             Therefore, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Gwen’s name to the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer at 647 Reid Ave., Lorain, OH 44052 or online, or the St. Augustine Hunger Center at 2486 W. 14th St., Cleveland, OH 44113 or online. 
     Per her wishes, private services were held. Online condolences at www.boyercool.com
Gwen Rybarczyk (nee Curtis), 84, of Lorain, entered into eternal life on July 2 at her home, surrounded by her loving family.

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