Jean Marie Gargasz's Obituary
Jean Marie Gargasz, a radiant soul who embodied unconditional love, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of August 1, 2025, at the age of 82. A devoted mother, wife, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, Jean lived her life with an open heart. She was steadfast in her love, her faith, and her presence with both her family and the Lord.
To her family, Jean was the heart of the home. She was a nurturing mother whose devotion knew no bounds. She comforted her children when they were sad, she sat at their bedside when they were sick, she cooked their favorite meals with love, and she celebrated them for who they were and who they were becoming. Her care was constant, and her love was unwavering.
Jean endured the unimaginable loss of two beloved daughters, Deborah Ann and Pamela Ann, as well as her sweet grandson, Nicholas Ryan. And yet, even in the face of profound grief, she kept her heart open. She remained a source of strength, grace, light, and joy for her family. Her love never dimmed. Instead, she poured even more love into the lives of her family and friends.
Jean was a social butterfly whose friendships were among her greatest joys. If she wasn’t spending time with her family and friends, she was surely on the phone with them! She formed lifelong bonds with girlfriends dating back to her childhood at St. Stan’s in Lorain, OH, and continued building beautiful friendships throughout her life, including dear friends in Wakeman and Amherst, OH. In later years, she was a proud member of the “Mad Hatters,” a spirited circle of women with whom she shared joy, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Jean and her husband Tim also cherished the close-knit fellowship they found at Trinity Church in Amherst.
A gifted cook and baker, Jean showed her love through the meals and traditions she created. Her signature cheesecake and chicken paprikash were family staples, and every holiday was made magical by her homemade pierogis and beautifully crafted Christmas cookies, all of them gifts made with intention and from the heart.
As a Montessori teaching assistant, Jean extended her love and care to countless children throughout her career. She brought patience, warmth, and joy into every classroom, gently guiding little hearts with her natural kindness. Jean also spent time working at Wickens, Herzer & Panza, as well as Discount Drug Mart.
Jean will be deeply missed by all who knew her, and lovingly remembered for her resilience, her joyful spirit, and the unconditional love she gave so freely.
Jean is survived by her daughters: Lynn Marie Gargasz of Amherst, Ohio; Cheryl Ann Gargasz of Denver, North Carolina; her son: Timothy Joseph (Kelli) Gargasz of Powell, Ohio; her grandchildren: Joseph Nicholas Gargasz of Powell, Ohio; Benjamin Timothy Gargasz of Powell, Ohio; Anna Johnnie Gargasz of Powell, Ohio; and James Benjamin (Lydia) Engram of Surprise, Arizona; her great-grandchildren: Peter Rey Engram of Surprise, Arizona; Leanor Lynn Engram of Surprise, Arizona; Josie Ann Engram of Surprise, Arizona; and Mae Sharon Engram of Surprise, Arizona; and her brother: Peter Edward (Kim) Abrahamowicz of Oberlin, OH.
Jean was preceded in death by her husband: Timothy Francis Gargasz; her daughters: Deborah Ann Gargasz and Pamela Ann (Steven) Engram; her grandson: Nicholas Ryan Gargasz; her parents: Walter Steven and Florence (Gawlik) Abrahamowicz; and her brothers: Michael and Donald Walter Abrahamowicz.
A private celebration of Jean’s life will be held in September. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Meals on Wheels America or the Alzheimer’s Association Cleveland Area Chapter, in honor of Jean’s lifelong commitment to caring for others and spreading love wherever she went.
“God could not be everywhere, and therefore he made mothers.” – Rudyard Kipling
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