Phyllis Jean (Wood) Karlinchak, 83, of Erie, PA, passed away peacefully on December 11, 2017 at Saint Mary’s Home East, surrounded by her family.
She was born on January 5, 1934, a daughter of the late James and Martha (Kislear) Wood of Ramey.
Jean graduated from Madera High School in 1951. She was a devout catholic and member of Saint James Church. She enjoyed bowling, crafting, baking, gardening, cooking, sewing, playing cards with her friends, and was a PIAA swimming and diving official. Her greatest joy was spending time with her fami-ly, attending all of her children and grandchildren's school functions and sporting events, and spending Sundays listening to Polka music and watching the Pittsburg Steelers with her husband. Her love of mu-sic 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 and after raising her children, she worked part time for the the Temple Anshe Hesed.
She married Peter Karlinchak, on May 19, 1956, sharing 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.
Jean is 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 Saint Mary’s and are grateful for their compassion and support.
Jean will be laid to rest in her home town of Ramey, PA. Friends and relatives may call at the Kruise-Spewock Funeral & Cremation Services, 2550 Union Street Ramey, PA 16671 Friday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. followed by services at 10 a.m. at Saint Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church. Burial will be at Saint Mary’s Cemetery.
Condolences may be made at www.kruise-spewock.com