Barbara "Basia" (Piotrowski) Rak

YOUNGSTOWN - Barbara “Basia” Rak, loved matriarch and vibrant spirit, passed away peacefully in her home on Monday, July 8, 2024, at the age of 89. Born on October 23, 1934, in Poland, Europe, she began her beautiful family there before making the courageous journey in 1976 to the United States in search of new opportunities and adventures.

Basia pursued her higher education in Poland at the technical school and studied Business Administration-a choice that not only empowered her in the professional life but also enriched family gatherings. Her desire to assimilate in the American Culture led her to be an enthusiastic student at the English Center in Youngstown, Ohio. Her organizational skills and insightful advice helped steer family functions, making every celebration a cherished memory.

Basia immigrated to the United States in search of freedom and opportunity, embodying the values of resilience and hope. Her deep love for democracy inspired all who knew her, and she instilled these principles in her family. Basia took great pride in nurturing a sense of civic duty, ultimately leading her daughter Krysia and granddaughter Basia (her namesake) to pursue a life in public service, with her granddaughter Basia (Adamczak) even having served as an elected official. Her legacy of commitment to embracing both; the American and Polish cultures and traditions will live on through the generations she touched.

Upon arriving in America, Basia, met the love of her life, Stanislaw “Stanley” Rak, and together they built a wonderful life filled with joy, laughter, and love. Their union and love became a template of what a couple – and family – should be for their children and grandchildren. Avid gardeners, their yard was a sanctuary of blooming flowers and fresh vegetables, their front porch lined with noteworthy, bright red tulips deserving of an award. This hobby and activity was passed down and now proudly reflected in their grandson Mac’s life.

Basia also took the opportunity and spent many joyful years working at Jordan Candy and Chocolate Factory, a fitting role for someone as sweet as she was. Her love for creating delightful treats mirrored her warm personality, bringing happiness to everyone around her. Just as she infused sweetness in to every chocolate she made, Basia filled the lives of those around her with love and kindness- sweetening the memories of the wonderful woman she was.

With a heart full of joy, Basia was also known for her infectious laughter, comforting presence, ability to find joy in the simplest of moments, and certainly her love of dance. Whether twirling in the living room or sharing a laugh during family gatherings, she lit up every space with her enthusiasm and rhythm. The light-heartedness and fun energy of the American “Chicken Dance”, became one of her favorites and a staple at almost every family gathering.

Basia had a flair for fashion and unparalleled sense of style; captivating family and friends with outfits that exuded elegance and class. She embraced the "bling and bougie" lifestyle long before it became popular. Every visit felt like a festive occasion, with her looking fabulous and always ready to dazzle and shine.

Deeply rooted in Polish tradition, Basia embraced her Polish heritage and shared it with pride, infusing family gatherings with cherished customs, delicious recipes, and joyful celebrations. On Sundays, she attended the Polish mass at St. Stanislaw Church until its closure. She enjoyed involvement in the Polish community and frequently attended events at Krakusy Hall. She was even crowned the “Paczki Queen” at the annual Paczki Ball.

Family meant the world to Basia. She treasured every moment spent with her grandchildren and great- grandchildren. She created a warm and loving home, filled with laughter and lasting memories that will be treasured for generations. She passed down her rich Polish heritage and taught them how to cook traditional Polish food. She also ensured that they were bilingual, teaching them to speak, write and read in Polish. Her children’s, grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s respective successes in their careers and families gave Basia great joy.

Basia leaves behind a legacy of love, joy, and dual-cultural richness. She will be profoundly missed but lovingly remembered by family and friends who carry her spirit in their hearts.

Basia was predeceased by her parents, Maximillian and Karolina Piotrowski (Poland); her husband,Stanley Rak; and her brothers, Franek and Zenon Piotrowski (Poland); her son, Witold Geneja (Poland).

Basia leaves to cherish her memory a host of family both in the United States and in Poland. Her daughter, Krystyna “Krysia”Adamczak, who selflessly took care of Basia for years; (son in-law Zenon Adamczak); son, Ryszard Geneja (in Poland); step-daughters, Wanda Sztabowska and Maria Malecka (in Poland); along with a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren in Poland. In the United States- grandson Maciek “Mac” Adamczak (great granddaughter, Jadin Adamczak and granddaughter-in-law Judy Adamczak); granddaughter Basia Adamczak (her namesake and great-granddaughters Ania and Alys Scott); Niece Barbara “Basia” Balicki (formally Piotrowski, of Florida);Cousin John Kaluza (of Youngstown); along with host of other extended family.

Basia’s family would like to extend a very special thank you to the following: to Roseann L. of Sanctuary Hospice for her home visits and compassionate care; to Jennifer I. of Kubina Yuhasz Wasko Funeral Home and Monsignor Michael Cariglio Jr., of Basilica of Our Lady Mount Carmel for their kindness and compassion shown to the family during this difficult time.

A special note from grandchildren Mac & Basia (Adamczak)- We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our mom, Krysia, for her unwavering care and devotion to our grandma, “Babcia Basia”, until her final breath. Her compassion and selflessness were truly remarkable, as she dedicated herself to ensuring our family matriarch felt loved and comfortable every day. Our mom’s nurturing spirit not only honored our Babcia Basia’s legacy but also inspired all of us with her profound love and commitment. We are forever grateful for the countless sacrifices she made during this time.

Family and friends may call 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 14,2024 at Kubina Yuhasz Wasko Funeral Home–5925 Market Street, Youngstown, Ohio.

Funeral Services with a traditional mass will begin at 10 a.m. Monday, July 15, 2024 at Basilica of Our Lady Mount Carmel, Via Mount Carmel Way, Youngstown, Ohio. Interment will follow in Lake Park Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband. A celebration of Basia’s life will be held after at Mount Carmel. The family invites you to honor her memory by embracing family traditions and sharing a dance in her honor.

The family has entrusted Barbara (Basia)’s care to the Kubina Yuhasz Wasko Funeral Home in Boardman.

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