Lillian M. Galchick

SALEM – Lillian Marie DePietro Galchick, 99, passed away Sunday, January 12, 2025, at her residence in Salem.

She was born on June 29, 1925, in Flushing, Ohio, the daughter of the late Victor and Attilia (Reposati) DePietro. As part of what has been called “The Greatest Generation,” Lillian grew up during the Great Depression and World War II. Her father was an avid gardener, and the family cultivated a large garden on the extra lot alongside their home, raising vegetables and fruits which they shared with people in need. Lillian continued to love gardening throughout her life. 

During her teens, Lillian worked for Lease Drug Store and as a ticket seller at the State & Grand Theatre in Salem. After graduating from Salem High School in 1944, she worked at G. E. in Salem inspecting airplane bulbs. Later, Lillian worked for Sears in the Catalogue Department for 19 years. After the Salem Sears store closed, she worked for Sears Catalogue Department in the Southern Park Mall for seven years and reached the rank of supervisor before she retired in 1990.

In 1948, she married Charles Galchick, who preceded her in death on January 2, 2010. Through the years, they had the opportunity to travel, visiting their three children in different parts of the country. Some highlights of those years included trips along the California coast, visits to Chicago, Dallas, New York City, and Boston, and summer vacations on Cape Cod and coastal Rhode Island. While visiting their daughter Marianne in Tennessee, they were thrilled to attend a performance at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.

An accomplished seamstress and needleworker, Lillian sewed her children’s clothing and Halloween costumes, created cross-stitched and embroidered items and ornaments, and made hooked rugs. She later used her eye for color and design to make paintings. She enjoyed cooking, baking, quiz shows, and card games, continuing to outplay family members at Phase 10 into her 99th year.

Lillian was a longtime and devoted member of St. Paul Catholic Church in Salem and served as a volunteer for the congregation’s Funeral Buffet group.

She is preceded in death by her brother, Joseph DePietro; sister, Lena DePietro Galchick, and son, Thomas Edward “Eddie” Galchick.

Survivors include two daughters, Victoria Sherrow of Westport, CT and Marianne Jones of North Barrington, IL; a sister, Amelia Falk of Salem; five grandchildren, Christine (Christopher), Caroline (Timothy), Natalie, Hana (Tony), and Cooper; and three great grandchildren, Phoebe, Annalise, and Finn. Her family and friends will always remember her warmth, friendliness, enthusiasm, and loving nature. 

Arrangements are being handled by Stark Memorial Funeral Home, and services will be private.

Memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady’s Purse, St. Paul Catholic Church, 985 State Street, Salem, OH 44460.

To view Lillian’s obituary, send condolences, or order flowers, visit www.starkmemorial.com.

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