Barbara Valeria (Joseph) Krystek, passed away at her home of natural causes on March 23, 2016 at the age of 93. She died only 9 days after her husband of 69 years passed away on March 14, 2016. Some may say that she died from a broken heart. She was his caregiver for many years during his declining health.
Barbara was born in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, on May 22, 1922, the daughter of John A. and Barbara M.(Popovich) Joseph. She graduated from Struthers High School in 1940 and worked at the Squire Shop in downtown Youngstown as well as the Lab at Youngstown Sheet and Tube as an analyst for a few years during WWII. She married the love of her life, Eugene A. Krystek, on August 3, 1946, and they would have been celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary this year. Together they raised six children, Barbara Lorenzini, Greg Krystek(Denise), Patricia Taylor, Mark(Kathy)Krystek, Christine Roessler and Eugene(Luraina) Krystek. She was also blessed with eleven grandchildren, Debbie, Amy(Chip), Jack, Aubrey, Rachel(Bryan), Joanna, Rebecca, Colleen(Sean), Jennifer(Chad), William(Ann) and Bethany. She also leaves behind her great-grandchildren Madyson, Elijah, Paige, Kennedy and Thomas, as well as several nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind her loving sisters-in-law, Marilyn Joseph and Lucille Stran.
Her life was centered around her home. She was the matriarch of the family and spent many hours caring for her children, grandchildren and her husband. She was a very stylish woman who enjoyed fashion. Christmas Eve was special for her when everyone chose to be together in their small home as a family. Her “little” kolachi were epic. She also kept up with the politics of the day by watching the news programs. She enjoyed doing Word Find puzzles in her spare time. She was a chartered member of St. Christine’s church and never missed saying her morning prayers and watching daily Mass on television. She was deeply devoted to the Blessed Mother and said the rosary daily. Barbara was also an avid flower gardener and enjoyed watching them grow in her yard. She also enjoyed travelling with her husband, Eugene, on many bus trips and going to see musicals, especially the Phantom of the Opera.
Her memory will be cherished by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom were left with a lasting impression of her strong values and love.
Preceding her in death was her husband, Eugene(deceased March 14, 2016) who welcomed her to their shared peace. Also greeting Valeria were her parents, her sisters Patricia(infant) Joseph and Geraldine Gingery, her brothers, Jack and Donald Joseph and her sons-in-law Blaise Condon, Laurence Roessler and Randy Taylor.
The family will accept condolences on Thursday, March 31st from 9:30 to 11:00am at St. Christine’s Church prior to a mass of Christian Burial at 11:00am.
In lieu of flowers, it is requested that donations be made to St. Christine’s Church in her memory.

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