Christine A. Lechlak

Christine A. Lechlak, (The Candy Lady), age 87, passed away peacefully at Rosary Care Center in Sylvania, OH on July 10, 2023, surrounded by her beloved family. She was born in Toledo, OH, on December 9, 1935. Christine graduated from Notre Dame Academy. In 1956, she married Leonard Lechlak and, together, they raised three daughters in North Toledo and Point Place. Christine and Leonard celebrated 60 years of marriage before Leonard’s passing in 2016.

Christine was a dedicated mother and homemaker in the early years of her marriage. She also worked in the bakery at the former Centre Supermarket on the corner of Stickney and Manhattan, a job she truly enjoyed! In addition, Christine had a long career with the former Montgomery Ward in the Northtowne Mall in Toledo. While there, she made many friends and provided excellent customer service. Christine and Leonard spent their retirement years in Erie and Temperance, Michigan. They also enjoyed travelling to Northern Michigan and trips to Las Vegas among others.

Family, a word that meant everything to Christine, was first and foremost in her life. She always showed her love and support to those in need and was generous to all. She was a woman of faith and prayer was an important part of her daily life. She was blessed with five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren who brought her much joy and happiness! Christine was the “life of the party” and everyone who knew her enjoyed her company and conversation!

Christine was preceded in death by her mother, Florence Nowicki, Jerome Nowicki, and husband, Leonard Lechlak, She is survived by her daughters Karen (Terry) Wozniak, Susan (Michael) Sawyer, and Lori Biggs (Gene Rusinek); grandchildren Gregory Wozniak (Amber Clark), Julie Holmes, Amanda (Shaun) Ziehr, Steven (Jamie) Sawyer, and Jenna (James) Salow; great-grandchildren Savannah Holmes, Julian Holmes, Easton Ziehr, Isla Ziehr, Mason Sawyer, and Molly Sawyer.

The family would like to thank the staff at Oakleaf Village and Rosary Care Center. Donations can be made to Hospice of Northwest Ohio, 30000 East River Road, Perrysburg, OH 43551 or to the Cherry Street Mission Ministries, 1501 Monroe St, Toledo, OH 43604. Arrangements by Sujkowski Funeral Home Northpointe, 419-476-9176.

The Funeral Mass for Christine has been rescheduled for Monday, August 14 at 11 a.m. in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church, 8330 Lewis Ave., Temperance, MI. preceded by visitation at the church from 10-11 a.m.