Phyllis Jean (Wood) Karlinchak, 83, of Erie died peacefully Dec. 11, 2017 at St. Mary’s Home East surrounded by her family.
She was born Jan. 5, 1934, a daughter of the late James and Martha (Kislear) Wood of Ramey.
Mrs. Karlinchak graduated from the Madera High School in 1951. She was a devout catholic and member of the St. James Church.
She enjoyed bowling, crafting, baking, gardening, cooking, sewing and playing cards with her friends. She was also a PIAA swimming and diving official.
Her greatest joy was spending time with her family, attending all of her children’s and grandchildren’s school functions and sporting events, as well as spending Sundays listening to Polka music and watching the Pittsburgh Steelers with her husband.
Mrs. Karlinchak love of music stayed with her, as she would hum tunes up until her last days.
Her work career started right after graduation when she went to work for the FBI in Washington, D.C.
Later, she worked for General Electric in Erie. After raising her children, she worked part-time for the Temple Anshe Hesed.
She married Peter Karlinchak on May 19, 1956 and shared 61 wonderful years with the love of her life.
She is also survived by a son, Timothy and a daughter, Kara Ann Whitman, both of Erie; one grandson, Justin Whitman; and three granddaughters, Jordyn Whitman, Alexandra Karlinchak and Christina Karlinchak, all of Erie.
She is also survived by two sisters, Rosemarie Weierick of Houtzdale and Dolores Fudrow of State College and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by a sister, Marian Wood West.
The family would like to acknowledge the care both Jean and Pete received by the staff at St. Mary’s, and they are grateful for their compassion and support.
Mrs. Karlinchak will be laid to rest in her hometown of Ramey.
Friends and family may call at the Kruise-Spewock Funeral & Cremation Services from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Friday and from 9 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. Saturday.
Services will follow at 10 a.m. Saturday at the St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church. Burial will be at the St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Condolences may be made at www.kruise-spewock.com.