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CORTLAND -- The family of Kalina Callow Braun announces with much sadness her sudden passing, Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024.
Kalina was born in Niles and was a longtime Cortland resident of 53 years.
Kalina was preceded in death by her husband, George H. Braun; parents, Leon and Catherine Callow; brothers, Cyril Callow and Mitchel Callow; and son-in-law, Donald Whipple.
Kalina graduated from Niles McKinley High School and then met her late husband of 66 years, George, at a dance at McKinley Memorial Library. On March 30, 1957, they were married and resided in Warren, where she worked as a lab technician at Trumbull Memorial Hospital.
As their family grew, they decided to move to Cortland, where they raised their five children together, Carolyn (Carmen Jr.) Roberts, Tracy Whipple, David (Tammy Luich) Braun, Mary Cay Griffith and Stephen (Jennifer) Braun, eventually becoming grandparents to nine grandchildren, Kevin, Nathan, Carmen III, Rachel, Crystal, Andrew, Evan, Tyler and Mason, and nine great-grandchildren.
Kalina was a devoted wife and mother who prioritized her family lifelong. As a strong leader of her family, she emphasized the values of hard work, integrity and education, and she encouraged her family to always strive for their best. She lived a full life through her many interests and activities without sacrificing the support and love of her family. She had a love for the outdoors and gardening, especially her flower gardens. She also had a competitive nature that was always present, whether playing cards with family and friends, or one of her many sports, volleyball, golf and bowling. She also enjoyed over 30 years of bridge with her husband as her partner, achieving her ACBL Life Master.
She was passionate about being involved in her community and fulfilling her civic duties. For decades, she served the board of elections as a poll worker. She also consistently served in leadership positions for her longtime bridge club, school PTO, bowling and golf leagues, often serving as president, secretary and treasurer. After raising her family, she continued to serve the community for 10 years in her role at Second National Bank.
Kalina will be remembered by her family and many of her close friends for her sense of humor and contagious laugh, kindness towards others, her resilience for life's challenges and love for family. Recently, she shared with her family how happy she was with her life and the success of her entire family.
Kalina is survived by her brothers, Carl Callow, Eugene (Vicki) Callow, Earl Callow, Joseph (Beverly) Callow, Veliko (Karen) Callow and Blagoy (Rose) Callow; Aunt Anne Szekely; and sister-in-law, Darlene Callow and their families.
Calling hours will be 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 2, 2024, and 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024, at Lane Funeral Homes, Shafer-Winans Chapel, 164 N. High St., Cortland, OH 44410.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, at the funeral home, following calling hours. The service will be officiated by the Rev. Heidi Holst.
Interment will be in Hillside Cemetery.
Online condolences may be made at www.lanefuneralhomes.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lakeview Teachers Scholarship, 300 Hillman Dr., Cortland, OH 44410.
(special notice)