Barbara Marie Chonko

BARBARA MARIE CHONKO (nee Malek), age 85 of Brooklyn Heights, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 1st, 2025 surrounded by her family. Barbara was born on May 24, 1939 to the late Ida and Martin Malek. She graduated from Cuyahoga Heights High School in 1957 and in 1963 married Allan Chonko, Sr. and together raised three children.  Barbara was a loving wife, devoted mother, doting grandmother and proud sister. She loved music and singing, especially at family gatherings and in the church choir. She also enjoyed cooking, baking, sewing, and bowling, but spending time with family was what Barbara cherished most. Supporting the local sports teams was a favorite past time. Barbara loved cheering on the Guardians, Browns, and Cavs and attended many games to support her grandchildren’s sporting events. She was an early riser and treasured her mornings listening to the sweet sound of birds chirping out her kitchen window. One of Barbara’s proudest accomplishments was working as a medical secretary, most notably, at the Cleveland Clinic.

In addition to her parents, Barbara is preceded in death by her brother, Richard Malek and sister, Carol Livingstone. Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 61 years, Allan Chonko, Sr.; her children Allan Chonko, Jr. (Janet), Scott Chonko, and Hallie Chonko; grandchildren, Kayla Woicehovich (Alex), Kevin Chonko, Kyle Chonko, Nathan, Chonko, and Jared Chonko. She is also survived by siblings, Beverly DiSanza (Don), Janet Malek, Martin Malek (Kathy); brother-in-law Kenneth Livingstone; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Friends may call at THE FERFOLIA FUNERAL HOME, 356 WEST AURORA RD (OH RT 82), SAGAMORE HILLS FOR VISITATION ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2025 FROM 10 A.M. UNTIL 12 NOON. Barbara’s funeral services will immediately follow at 12 Noon. Private family interment services will be celebrated at All Saints Cemetery in Northfield, Ohio.

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