Geraldine (Jean) (Topalsky) Kosanovich

Geraldine (Jean) Topalsky Kosanovich passed away December 16, 2020.  She was born in Akron, Ohio on May 6, 1927 to George & Eva Topalsky. Her parents were naturalized citizens from Yugoslavia so Jean, & her younger sister Shirley Mihajlov, (late husband, Rudy) were raised in a home where Serbian customs were important. Jean often spoke of her life-long friends that she met at High Street elementary school in Barberton. These friends remained close their entire lives. She was delighted when four of them attended her 90th birthday party!
After graduating from Barberton High School Jean worked at B&W in Barberton. During this time, she was part of a Serbian choral group that traveled to singing events in Ohio. It was at one of these events that she met her late husband, Peter Kosanovich. The couple lived in an apartment above Belgrade Gardens when they were first married, then moved to their home on Tuscarawas Avenue where they raised their son, Michael (wife Connie). Her granddaughter, Lauren, now lives there with her husband, Dan, & their daughter, Audrey. Every time Jean came to their “home” for holidays, family dinners or just to visit, it was always a special occasion for her, evident by the smile on her face.
Her greatest joy was to be with family, especially her great granddaughter, Audrey, who lit up her life! Spending time together would include a “tea party”, playing cards or a game of "Catch Phrase", or sharing news from her sister and niece, Shirley & Andrea (Ted) Rossin, who live in Colorado, and always included some sweet treats! Shirley & Jean remained close despite the distance between them by speaking on the phone each day. Jean was overjoyed when Shirley, Andrea or Ted would come to visit, and she also loved her trips to Colorado to see them. Some of Jean’s fondest memories were from the trips she made with Mike, Connie, Lauren & her special friend, Sue Durieux. Many of her funniest moments came from these adventures!
Jean’s friends were also very important to her. Since some lived in her neighborhood, she would have them over for an afternoon or evening of cards & dessert. Jean thought it was important to keep her friendships & connections to Barberton active so she attended luncheons regularly with the B&W ladies and those who had graduated with her.
Whenever you dropped in to see her you would always find her clipboard, with a crossword puzzle book, in her hand or on the couch next to her. This was a hobby she enjoyed throughout her life. It kept her mind sharp!
Jean will be truly missed and remembered by all of her family and her many friends. A private memorial service will be held to honor her.

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