Margaret H. (Kurak) Dobrovich

Margie (also known as the pierogi lady) was born to John and Anna Kurak in Nimecolon, PA. Survived by her brother Timothy Kurak (Linda), predeceased by brothers George and John, and sisters Marie and Anna. Beloved wife of the late Michael. Loving mother of Therese Stadul, Mary Ann Maddon, Michael Dobrovich (waiting for Mom with open arms in heaven) (Tina), David Dobrovich (Kathleen) and Linda Dobrovich (Stacy Ranier). Dearest grandma aka “Bubba” to 10 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

She and her family moved to Cleveland when Margie was 13. Her strong work ethic began early. At the age of 14, she took her first job as a proofreader at the Gospel Press on West 47th Street, correcting biblical texts for 45 cents an hour. She went on to work at Reeves Cleaners, Woolworth’s on West 25th Street, and The White Sewing Machine Company. After the birth of her first child, Margie began working at Metal Machining as a burring machine operator, where she remained for 25 years before retiring.

Retirement only marked the beginning of another fulfilling chapter. Margie followed her passion for cooking and baking, taking a job at Foot Market and continuing to share her culinary talents with everyone around her. She became known for her homemade cakes, nut and poppy seed rolls, kolacky, and thousands of dozens of pierogi. More than just a cook, Margie was a teacher at heart, sharing her pierogi-making skills with others. One of her favorite events was a fundraiser at Lakeview Church of God in Parma Heights, where she helped organize a day of making over 300 dozen pierogi to raise money for children’s summer camp.

Margie was deeply involved in her community. She was an active member of St. Barbara’s Parish and the Isabella Guild, and participated in the Southwest Citizens Area Council and the Old Brooklyn Crime Watch. She volunteered at the Senior Citizen Resource Center in Old Brooklyn, assisting with meals, cooking demonstrations, and bake sales. For over 13 years, she delivered Meals on Wheels, and in a true act of compassion, adopted a senior dog named Murphy when one of her clients could no longer care for him.

She found joy in the little things...bowling, crafting, playing pinochle and Scrabble. She once joked that the worst part about her car being stolen was losing her Scrabble game in the trunk. Her family later gifted her Super Scrabble, which became a new favorite.

Margie had a deep affection for the city of Cleveland. When asked what she loved most about it, she said, “Best location in the nation. I don’t care what anyone says, everything is in our reach, the people are friendly and most of them try to help one another. You have to live your life like that.” And that is exactly how she lived—with generosity, with heart, and with a sincere belief in community and kindness.

Margie’s advice to all of us is to “Help each other, be good to each other, enjoy each other’s company . . and if you can put a smile on someone’s face, it’s a good day.”

Thanks Margie, for putting so many smiles on all of our faces!

Family will receive friends on Thursday, May 1, 2025 from 10:00am-1:00pm at the A. Ripepi and Sons Funeral Home 18149 Bagley Rd., Middleburg Hts. (West of I-71) where a memorial service will begin at 1:00pm.

Family and friends are welcome for a Memorial Mass on Friday, May 2, 2025 at 10am at St. Barbara Catholic Church 1505 Denison Ave., Cleveland, Ohio 44109. Please meet at church.