Lillian M. Rak's Obituary
Named after the Easter flower, Lillian Czarney, was born on March 31st,1920, the eldest of 5 daughters. The Polish immigrant community in which they lived and the subsequent struggle of the Great Depression formed the stoic girding of her personality. But it never dimmed her joy and enthusiasm for life as she grew with her sisters, Dorothy Maloney, Theresa Majoras, Marie Sands and Marcella O'Connor. Although the oldest all but Marcella pre-deceased her.
In the middle of her life, while teaching on a temporary certificate and pregnant with her 5th child, Lillian decided to attend college! "What's an old battle ax like you doing in this class?" asked the college professor of the middle aged student, Lillian, as she quietly slipped into her seat. Not one to fear a challenge she respectfully replied, "I have too much money invested in this degree to quit now, Mr. Namewithheld!" She received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. For as long as she could remember, she wanted to teach school. And that is what she finally did for 24 years at Lincoln Elementary. The students adored her! She always developed novel ways to involve them in learning! Even 35 years later seeing a student at the LCCC Fitness Center she remembered their name to say hello.
Lillian was an independent, self-directed woman well before the era of womens' liberation! But she pursued her goals and did as she wanted without alienating anyone. In fact, one of her most unique qualities was how she drew others to herself. Everyone loved this special lady as she moved through her abundant activities saying little of herself and listening alot.
Her marriage to Wences Rak on Aug. 8,1939 began a romance that lasted 63 years until his death. They were dedicated to God, the Catholic Church and raising their family of 5 children: Barbara Rosso (husband Louis) of Rock Hill, South Carolina, Lawrence Rak (wife Mary Kay) of Avon, Norman Rak (wife Linda), Connie Woodside (husband Patrick), and Andrew Rak (wife Vanessa) all of North Ridgeville.
Having 8 homes of her children and grandchildren within a stones throw, and another son and his childrens' homes just a few miles away, she is cherished by three generations of family; her 5 children, 5 daughters and sons in laws, 12 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren and 2 babies that went to heaven ahead of her (her namesake, Lilly Batt and April Farina.) Lillian related closely with each person, knowing every detail of every grandchild and great-grandchild! She also has many friends from the North Ridgeville Senior Center, and the Hope Bereavement Group.
She knitted and crocheted gorgeous works churning out thousands of baby sweaters, hats and blankets throughout her life. Even when she lost her eyesight, she knitted by counting! She was an avid reader. When she lost her sight, she continued through the wonderful Books On Tape for the Blind. She adapted so well she was often heard to say, " I read the best book today!" Additionally she was a lifetime Cleveland Indians fan! Right up to the Indians struggle with (last weeks opponents). She was also a fan of the Jeopardy TV game show which was a chance for the family to gather and compete. Lil handed out knotted strands of yarn to each "contestant". They scored their correct answers by moving hair clips along from knot to knot.
In her earlier more active years Lillian belonged to bowling leagues, gardening and Bingo! She will be sorely missed but warmly remembered by friends and family.
??Friends may call Monday from 2-4 and 6-8PM at Bogner Family Funeral Home, 36625 Center Ridge Road, North Ridgeville, where a Rosary will be lead by the Knights of Columbus at 7PM. A prayer service will be held on Tuesday at 9:30 AM in the funeral home followed by a 10 AM Mass at St. Peter Catholic Church, 35777 Center Ridge Road, North Ridgeville. Rev. Bob Franco, Pastor, will be the celebrant.
Burial will be in St. Peter Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter Memorial Fund or St. Jude's Children Research Hospital.
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