MANSFIELD: Marian Blahnik had an active spirit. Yes, she loved to travel – she enjoyed being on the go – yet beyond that she challenged herself (and others) to always grow in life. It was her attitude toward life that made the difference between the ordinary and an adventure.
Marian passed away Tuesday afternoon, April 22, 2025 in Trustwell, Mansfield. She was 95.
Born Marian Delores Haring on January 2, 1930 in Mansfield to parents Nicholas and Catherine (Roeger) Haring, she graduated from Mansfield Senior High School in 1948 and though she studied at the Greenbriar, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Michigan.
For years, Marian served as a dental hygienist with Dr. Donald Brown, and she later earned her Master’s of Divinity degree from Ashland Seminary.
A member of First Congregational Church, she was a Stephens Minister there, taught Sunday school, and wrote for the church newsletter. She was also a longtime member of the YMCA, where she took advantage of every program she could – dance, balance, physical fitness was a priority to Marian.
Remembered as a kind and generous woman, Marian could be opinionated…yet kept her mind open to the thoughts on both sides of an issue. An avid reader – typically adventures in the Christian faith – of non-fiction, inspirational, and spiritual Christian books, she also enjoyed writing. In addition to poetry and journaling (her journal documents stories of her mother’s emigration from Europe to America), her “letters to the editor” in the Mansfield News Journal were prolific.
Marian leaves a legacy as a thoughtful and introspective soul, open to learning, supportive of others, and an encourager.
She is survived by her children Cat (John) Gorman of West Chester, Rick (Janet) Blahnik of Huron, and Thom (Jeff Cyronek) Blahnik of Jersey City, New Jersey; grandchildren Jeffrey Blahnik of Mansfield, Bethany (Joe) Brennan of Shaker Heights, Matthew (Becky) McDermott of Cincinnati, Andrew (Kim) McDermott of Cincinnati, Mallory Blahnik of Midland, Texas, and Kaley (Justin) Hanna of Keller; twelve great grandchildren; siblings Frederick “Fritz” Haring of Mansfield, Ken (Ellen) Haring of Mansfield, Paul (Peggy) Haring of Kailua, Hawaii, Roger (Linda) Haring of Santa Clarita, California, and Elaine (Dave) Pavkov of Mansfield; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband Rodney Blahnik in September of 1997. Also deceased is her sister-in-law Linda (Dacks) Haring.
Her memorial service will be held Friday, May 9, 2025 at 11 a.m. in the sanctuary of First Congregational Church, 640 Millsboro Road, Mansfield, with Pastor Brad Bunn officiating. Her family will receive guests prior to the memorial service starting at 9:30 a.m. Inurnment will be in the church columbarium. The Marion Avenue Snyder Funeral Home is handling service arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to Southern Care Hospice.
Snyder Funeral Home is honored to serve the Blahnik Family. Share a message of support with them online at: https://www.snyderfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/Marian-Blahnik?obId=42218341#/obituaryInfo
Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Home Marion Avenue Chapel
Website: SnyderFuneralHomes.com