BARBARA A. CANCIAN (nee Stropko) age 92. Beloved wife of Ezio Cancian (deceased). Loving mother of Susan Cancian, Thomas Cancian (Mimi), Terrance Cancian (Beverly) and Lynn Schulte (Earl). Loving grandmother of Liz Saunders (Matthew), Tricia Conrad, Brian Cancian (Xander Clarke), Kristy Hicks (Thomas), Stacy Riggen, Juliette Vincent, Erik Schulte (Kara), Kyle Schulte (Jennifer), and Jack Schulte. Cherished great grandmother of Layla Conrad, Finley Saunders, Mason Conrad, Brittany McCullough, Rachel Hein, Savanah Riggen, Lauren Caruth, Madison Caruth, Kylie Hicks, Hayley Winston, Gabrielle Graves, Duke Schulte, Max Schulte, Allison Schulte, and Nicholas Schulte. Dear great-great grandmother of 18. Daughter of the late Joseph Stropko and Helen Stropko. Sister of Paul Stropko (Marie), Martha Pawnyk (Roman) and the following deceased brothers and sisters: Elizabeth Sinclair, Frances Gehlman, Katherine Stafford, Margaret Vargo, Joseph Stropko, James Stropko, Mary Helen, and John Stropko. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and their children. The family would like to thank all of Barbara's caregivers for their dedication and wonderful care the past several years and the Hospice of the Western Reserve.

We celebrate Barbara's life with the comfort of knowing she is now with our Lord.  We are grateful she was welcomed to heaven by her loving husband, Ezio of 68 years and the many close-knit sisters and brothers who have predeceased her.

Barbara was a proud graduate of Notre Dame Academy.  She met Ezio, the love of her life and beloved husband, at a neighborhood corner store, became engaged on Christmas Day 1949 and married the following November during one of the biggest Cleveland blizzards before navigating treacherous conditions to honeymoon in Niagara Falls.

Barbara never wanted to be the center of attention and always provided for others.  Her love and care for her husband and children was unending.  She showered her grandchildren with unconditional love, kindness, support and the capacity to bring joy at every visit.  She spent quality time with her grandkids and created so many wonderful memories. Barbara had a special love for all children that was demonstrated by generous donations to local women shelters and her ability to easily sooth a fussy baby, distract a restless toddler or read the same storybook for the tenth time in a row with the same enthusiasm as the first!

Barbara lived the best life God granted her and devoted her life to her family.  She was predictable and she was scheduled.  She endured teasing from her brothers for keeping a spotless household and participated in sibling rivalries over cooking the best turkey stuffing or chicken paprikash and baking the best nut-roll, kolacky, or pie.  The appearance of her famous cream puffs after Thanksgiving dinner brought more than smiles her children's faces!    "Hostess" Barb always greeted visitors with offerings of something to drink and eat – usually bakery, as she knew the precise location of every bakery on the west side of Cleveland.  She was a regular shopper at the West Side Market who knew the stand owners by name.  As she aged, she was forced to give up cooking and baking but her taste for honey pecan ice cream from Honey Hut and Pecan Billy Bob dark chocolates from Malley's never wavered.

Barbara visited much of the United States with her husband and siblings over the years.  She grew friendships with her "club ladies" playing cards and sharing family stories on a regular basis for over fifty years.  She found comfort in reading from her Bible daily, was an avid reader of mystery novels and enjoyed watching a good Perry Mason show.

Barbara will be remembered for her strong will, unwavering determination, and the love and support of her family.  She was a beacon of kindness and love and will forever reside in our hearts and will continue to inspire and guide us. May eternal rest grant unto her O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon her.

Funeral Mass Saturday, November 23, St. Brendan Church (4242 Brendan Lane) at 10:00 AM where friends may call from 9:00 AM until time of Mass. Internment Holy Cross Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Barbara's name to Laura's Home Women's Crisis Center, 18120 Puritas Ave. Cleveland, OH 44135 https://thecitymission.org/give/ or The Alzheimer Association, 23215 Commerce Park, Suite 300, Beachwood, OH 44122 https://www.alz.org/cleveland?form=FUNDHYMMBXU

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