It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Lynn Essek on February 5, 2024 Born July 6, 1928, in Logstown, Pennsylvania to Milovan (Michael) and Sava (Sophie) Opsanic, Lynn was raised in a proud Serbian household as the youngest of five daughters. Lynn’s early years were marked by a feisty spirit. She took advantage of her statuesque height and her older sister’s misprinted birth certificate to gain employment at age fifteen as a crane operator for J & L Steel in Aliquippa. Soon after, she met the love of her life, Frank Essek, while dancing at Jack’s Bar in Ambridge. The couple embarked on a lifelong adventure, marrying in June of 1946, sharing a beautiful partnership for 45 years until Frank’s passing in 1991.  Lynn Essek was a force of nature, a woman of strong opinions, and unwavering convictions.  Her insatiable curiosity led her to become an avid reader, spending countless hours at the Aliquippa library during her childhood. During the 70s and 80s, Lynn was one of the most published contributors to the Beaver County Times letters to the editor. She fearlessly engaged in debates and defended her views with a determination that was as admirable as it was formidable. Her mental and physical strength was unparalleled, conquering challenges with sheer willpower and, at times, the help of her trusty skateboard. She exuded endless energy fueled by gallons of coffee and found solace in sleeping outside on her covered patio, especially during thunderstorms. Lynn cherished the home Frank built for her and lived there independently until her final days. Following Frank’s passing, Lynn’s resilient spirit manifested in a successful entrepreneurial career. Renowned as the “Simply Strudel” lady, she sold her beloved apple strudel at craft shows and local shops, tirelessly producing the delicious treat for over two decades. Though she made efforts to pass on her secret recipe to her family, no one has successfully duplicated the original.  A woman of faith, Lynn was a devoted member of both SS.Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church in Ambridge and St. Elijah Serbian Orthodox Church in Aliquippa. Her enduring affection for her family resonated deeply, and she embraced life wholeheartedly and without reservation. Motherhood and being a Baba brought her unparalleled joy and fulfillment. The legacy of her boundless love and unwavering support endures in the hearts of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Lynn is survived by her children, Frank (Sue) Essek, Cranberry Township, Marilyn Fausti, Waynesville, North Carolina, Jim(Laura) Essek, Harmony Township, Lynda (Ed) Zimmerman, Hopewell, Karen (Devin) Reffitt, Scottsdale, Arizona, Paul (Lisa) Essek, Dunedin, Florida, Sarah (Michael) Grafton, Franklin Park and son in-law, Paul (Kim) Kamzleski, Harmony Township.   She was the most loving Baba to her grandchildren and great grandchildren: Jennifer (Brian, Lauren, Grace, Kevin) Callahan, Ronnie (Jennifer, Christian, Chloe) Kamzelski, Kristen (Robert, Kylie, Olivia, Emmy) Zambianchi, Brian Essek, Adam (Justine) Zimmerman, Aaron (Frida) Zimmerman, Samantha (Ben, Tristin, Benjamin, Juniper) Essek, Eric (Krista, Damon, Ella, Finn) Hyer, Amber Hyer, Madelyn Hyer, Kara Reffitt,Christiana (Zak) Kennedy, Dylan (Pawan) Reffitt, Jake Essek, Zack Essek, Benjamin Grafton, Cole Essek, and Sophie Grafton. In addition to her husband, Lynn was preceded in death by her daughter Joan Kamzelski and grandson Devin Reffitt. Lynn ‘s memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donating to St. Jude Children’s Hospital (www.stjude.org/donate or Good Samaritan Hospice https://concordialm.org/donate/  . The family would also like to thank the nurses, doctors and staff at Good Samaritan Hospice, Beaver for their compassion and care for our mother in her final days.

Friends will be received on Friday, February 9, 2024, from 10:30 AM until 11:30 AM in the Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge, 724-266-2549, followed by a Funeral Mass at 12:00 PM, at Saint Elijah Serbian Orthodox Church, 2200 Irwin Street, Aliquippa , PA. Burial will follow at Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery, Economy.