Joan Emma Valachek

Joan Emma Valachek (nee Dlugos), 70, of Vermilion, died Sunday, March 22, 2015 at Fairview Hospital after short illness. She was born January 7, 1945 in Lorain, and had been a Vermilion resident for the past 44 years moving from Lorain. Joan graduated from Clearview High School in 1962 and received her Bachelor of Science from Kent State University. She also graduated from the College of Mount St. Joseph with a Master's Degree, and attended Ashland University. She worked for 30 years as an elementary school teacher for Vermilion, Lorain, Sheffield, Sheffield Lake, and Western Reserve Schools. She was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, Vermilion and Mother of Sorrows Parish, Put-in-Bay. She was also a member of the OEA, NEA, Put-in-Bay Yacht Club, and Vermilion College Club. She was also very involved with the Lakeland Women's Club where she was past president and enjoyed antiques and collectables, fine arts, Tea and Tidbits, and playing bridge. Joan also enjoyed traveling, playing bridge, reading, spending summers in Put-in-Bay, entertaining at home, and spending time with family and friends. She is survived by her husband of 47 years, Andrew J Valachek, Jr.; daughter, Lisa Misson of Amherst; son, Bryan (DeAnna) Valachek of Sylvania; and 3 grandchildren: Andrew, Emma, and Matthew. She was preceded in death by her parents, Emil and Ava (nee Masters) Dlugos. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, March 25, 2015 from 2-4 and 7-9pm at the Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street, Vermilion, OH. Prayers will be said at the funeral home on Thursday, March 26, 2015 at 10 a.m. followed by a 10:30 am Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary Catholic Church, 731 Exchange St., Vermilion. The Reverend Ron Brickner will officiate. Interment will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery, Vermilion. The family suggests memorial contributions to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital PO Box 1000 Dept 142 Memphis, TN 38101-9908. Online condolences may be made at www.riddlefuneralhome.com.