Christine Romano Slimak

Christine Romano Slimak, 70, went home to her Lord on August 28, 2018. Christine was born to James Conrad Romano and Hedwig Catherine (Kral) Romano on November 24, 1947 in Cleveland, Ohio.
Christine grew up in Cleveland, attending Rhodes High School. A fond memory of Christine’s school years is the story of the Vogue Dolls and her dear friend, Niki Hayman, her next door neighbor. The Jill, Jane and Jeff dolls were the precursor to the Barbie doll. Niki and Christine’s mothers were friends as well and all four would enjoy each other’s company shopping for the clothing for their Vogue Dolls. They had wonderful times together dressing and playing with their dolls and would spend long hours doing so, not only in evenings, but after school and Sunday evenings as well.
Christine and Niki loved the Cleveland Indians and Christine had a crush on the Indians right fielder, Rocky Colavito. They both would go to Indians games early to go down and get close to the players. Christine loved playing baseball as well.
Hedwig Romano, Christine’s mother, gave her a beautiful necklace for her 16th birthday. Christine’s daughter, Alicia, recalls that, on her 16th birthday, she received the same necklace her mother had received.
Soon after the time Christine received the necklace from her mother, she met, and dated, Al Slimak.
Jill, Niki’s sister, reminisced about a time when Christine was getting ready for a date with Al and her brother Vince sprayed her with water through the screen of the house. The result of Vince’s antics was Christine’s dress, as well as her make-up, had to be fixed and replaced.
Christine really shined as first a mother but friend as well. Most of the fond memories of her children’s childhood memories are of their mother’s kindness and attentiveness to the concerns of her children.
Many of Christine’s children’s friends can recall being at Christine’s house with her two children, Alicia and Matt. Alicia and Matt’s friends can recall great snacks and homemade pizza, being chauffeured around town, showing up at sporting events, dance recitals, talent shows and entertaining her friends, the parent of Matt and Alicia’s friends.
Christine was a very involved soul. She loved gardening, painting, sewing, (especially Halloween costumes for her children) needle-pointing, arts and crafts, and, most of all, decorating.
Christine furthered her education in the interior design industry, gaining an Associate’s Degree in Design. For 8 years, Christine worked for Build On Your Lot Homes assisting new home owners with design techniques. She also worked at Michael’s, in the framing department, after interior design, for an additional 12 years, creating shadow boxes and custom framing for photos.
Christine also was a community involve soul. She was a member of Friends of the Library, Mansfield Garden Club, Book Club, Mansfield Historical Society, and, St. Jude’s Catholic Church’s Bible Study Fellowship.
Christine is survived by her Mother, Hedwig Romano, Son Matthew Slimak (wife Stephanie) Daughter Alicia Tipping (husband Bradley), Granddaughters Avery and Keaton Slimak and Brother Vincent Romano.
At the request of Christine Slimak’s family, in lieu of flowers, please donate to the Rheumatoid Arthritis Research Organization of your choice.