Audrey Ann Syroka

Audrey A. Syroka, 81, died peacefully on January 2, 2016 at Hospice of Northwest Ohio in Perrsburg surrounded by her loving family. A native and lifelong resident of Toledo, Audrey was born October 12, 1934 to the late Benjamin and Lucille (Gosik) Jackowski. She grew up in the LaGrinka neighborhood where she had many friends, including her lifelong best friend, Mary Jane Hobbs. She graduated from St. Adalberts School in 1948 and Woodward High School in 1952. While in high school, Audrey, who was the Homecoming Queen, met the love of her life, Howard J. Syroka. They were married on April 26, 1952 and lived happily together for 52 years until Howards death on August 13, 2004. Through the years, she worked part-time at K-Mart, the Flower Hospital Nursery and The Pink Elephant. Her greatest joy in life was being a homemaker and mother to her eleven children. In her free time, Audrey loved playing Bunco, bowling, and Ma and Pa Dartball at Mooneys and Syrokas Sport Spot Bar on Nebraska Ave., which Audrey and her husband co-owned. She also enjoyed traveling, especially to California and Iowa to visit family. She dreamed of driving cross country and visiting Hawaii, both of which she was able to accomplish with family, creating memories they will cherish forever. Audrey also volunteered delivering mobile meals and enjoyed dancing, going to the movies and attending any special event for her children and grandchildren. Her family was most important to Audrey and she gave much with no expectation of receiving anything in return. She loved unconditionally and was a tremendous example of a mother. Audreys lasting legacy was to guide her children in the right direction in faith and morals, leading by her example. Audreys life was about faith, family, patience, kindness, forgiveness, strength, courage and respect. To know Audrey the Angel was to love her. Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Howard (Sharon), Michael (Marcia), David (Bonnie), Richard (Wendy), Robert (Debbie), Shelley, Thomas (Jacqueline), Paul (Jennifer), John, William (Amy) and Timothy (Jennifer) Syroka; beloved grandchildren, Justin (Kelly), Amanda, Jacob, Eric, Lisa, Eric, Zach, Haley, Ben, Sarah, Scott, Stacey, Nick, Mason, Paitin, Milliegrace, Elvis, Joziemae, Vivian, Hazel, Haley, Taylor, Trey and Alivia; great grandchildren, Keegan, Lexi, Brianne, Gabby, Nathaniel, Maddie and Oliana; uncle, Leonard Jackowski; and cousin, Lorraine Kwiatkowski. She was also preceded in death by granddaughter, Danielle; grandson Micheal; and daughter-in-law, Cynthia Syroka. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 2-8 p.m. in the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 Sylvania Ave. (west of Corey Rd.) where a Sharing of Memories will take place at 7:45 p.m. Services will begin with prayers in the funeral home at 9:15 a.m., Friday, January 8, 2016 and proceed to Blessed Sacrament Church, 4227 Bellevue, Toledo, for Audreys funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Little Mike and Danielle Foundation, 4308 288th Street, c/o Shelley Syroka, Toledo, OH 43611. Mom, you are in the arms of God with your beloved husband. We will always love and cherish you and treasure our memories. Thank you for our lives and for sacrificing yours for ours. Rest in peace, St. Mom the Angel. Thank you to all of the exceptional individuals for their loving and compassionate care of our beloved mother during this difficult journey. A Mothers Love She never failed to do her best, her heart was true and tender, she toiled for those she loved, and left them to remember. A loving mother; kind and true. Her equals on this earth are few, a happy life, a peaceful end, she died as she lived, everybodys friend. If we had this world to give, we would give it more; to see our darling mother; come smiling through the door. For those who have a mother; should tender her with care; for you never know her value, till you see her vacant chair. We love and miss you Mom forevermore (Audrey the Angel)