Virginia "Jeni" M. Sturbi

Virginia "Jeni" M. Sturbi , 83, died Tuesday, June 13, 2017 at St. Elizabeth Boardman Health Center, surrounded by her family.

Virginia, affectionately known as "Jeni," was born September 22, 1933 in Youngstown, daughter of Stephen and Sophie Biroschak Swedik.

A lifelong area resident, Jeni was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School. After graduation, she worked alongside her sisters at Isaly's Dairy in downtown and later for General Electric.

In 1951, she attended a graduation party with her friend and fell in love with the graduate, Peter J. Sturbi. They were married on January 7, 1955 and made their home in Poland Township. Over their 62 years of marriage, their love for each other never wavered and they were always there for each other. Jeni took great pride in taking care of her home and centered her life around her family. She was a dedicated wife, a nurturing mother to her six daughters, and a dotting and loving "Mimi" to her grandchildren. After raising her children, Jeni began working again for Santisi's Sparkle Market and Towne & Country Dry Cleaners.

A wonderful cook and baker, Jeni loved hosting Sunday dinners and spending time together as a family. She loved the holidays, always going all out for them and making them so special for her family. Jeni will always be remembered as being funny, friendly, strong yet gentle natured, compassionate, courageous, and the life of the party.

She was a longtime member of Holy Family Church, the Spade and Hoe Garden Club, Poland Historical Society, the Mahoning Valley Olde Car Club, and multiple bowling leagues. Jeni volunteered many hours campaigning for Poland Township government positions and was instrumental in the Muscular Dystrophy, American Cancer, and Heart Association Drives. She also loved cheering for the Cleveland Cavaliers and her favorite player Lebron James and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

She is survived by her husband, Peter; six daughters, Cheryl (Dan Rivers) Sturbi of Poland, Lori (Steve) Riwniak of Boardman, Karen (Tom) Campana of Poland, Diane (Michael Gasper) Sturbi of Poland, Mari Beth Sturbi of Poland, and Pamela (Bob Fire) Sturbi of Poland; three grandchildren, Kristen (Jeff Babin) Campana of Poland, Christopher Riwniak of Boardman, and Jeni Riwniak of Boardman; a great-grandchild, Aleah Riwniak; her brother-in-law, Paul Fabian of New Middletown; and a host of nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by three sisters, Cecilia Gergel, Helen Valentine, and Ann Marie Fabian; and her twin brothers, Stephen and Robert Swedik.

Family and friends will be received on Friday from 4-7 p.m. at the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home, 270 N. Main St., Poland.

A prayer service will be held on Saturday at 9:15 a.m. at the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday at 10 a.m. at Holy Family Church. Interment will follow at Poland Riverside Cemetery.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation and thank Jeni's physicians, Drs. Nino Rubino, Keith Henson, Erdal Sarac, Atef Labib, Eledath Krishnan, and the staff at St. Elizabeth Boardman Health Center ICU and Intermediate 4S, and the Western Reserve Joint Fire/EMS Department, and AMR Ambulance.

Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send condolences.