Emma Mary Strimbu

Emma Mary Strimbu, age 94, of New Philadelphia, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, in Union Hospital at Dover on Sunday, May 29, 2016 following a period of declining health.

A daughter of the late John B. and Anna M. (Pauline) Pizzini, Emma was born at Midvale on January 13, 1922. She married V. Charles Strimbu on September 29, 1945 and shared in 49 years of marriage prior to his passing in 1994.

A long-time member of Sacred Heart Church, Emma was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who loved to cook for her family, especially Sunday dinners and holidays. She will be remembered by her family for the lively political discussions, the excitement and disappointment, when watching Cleveland sports teams, and the wonderful moments spent outdoors after mealtimes in her beautiful backyard.

She is survived by daughters Carol (John) Gano, Chris Kopp and Dodie Strimbu all of New Philadelphia; sons, John (Althea) Strimbu, Val (companion, Laurinda Vlad Gribble) Strimbu, Rick (Patsy) Strimbu all of Dover and Tom Strimbu and Mike Strimbu of New Philadelphia; 14 grandchildren, one step grandson, nine great-grandchildren, and two step great-grandchildren; a sister, Joanne (Dwight) Rhodeback of Canton, a sister-in-law, Hilda (Francis) Pizzini of Lansing, Kansas and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, Emma was preceded in death by a son, Bobby Stimbu; a grandson, Bob Gano; an infant brother, Virgil Pizzini; a sister, Dorothy Abel; and brothers, Joe, John, and Francis Pizzini; and a son-in-law, Jerry Kopp.

The family will greet guests on Thursday, June 2, 2016 from 4-7 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia where a Christian Wake Service will begin at 6:45 PM. Father Jeff Coning will celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, June 3, 2016 at 10:30 AM in Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery at New Philadelphia. Following services, all are invited to share in a meal and fellowship in the Geib Family Center, adjacent to the funeral home.

Memorial contributions in Emma’s name may be directed to Sacred Heart Church, 139 Third Street NE, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.