Lynn Taliak's Obituary
"Lynnie” to her husband, “Mom” to five, and “Yaya” to eleven adoring grandchildren and two great grandchildren, Lynn Louise Taliak, born in 1942, passed peacefully on December 27, 2025. Her young life held great joy, heavy heartbreak, and the kind of tenacious perseverance that defined her deeply rooted values. Lynn had a way with words, the gift of gift-giving, and an enduring appreciation for the arts. Her love of fine dark chocolate and malted milkshakes (affectionately known as 'Yaya shakes' to many) was only surpassed by her love of family - so often she was a hostess of grand parties and intimate family evenings (as well as dance parties to ABBA, and spirited games of Authors and Candy Match with grandkids). She was devoted to creating special memories for friends, loved ones, and anyone else who needed a seat at a candlelit dinner table or on a porch swing.
After losing her first husband Harald Stafford far too soon, Lynn raised her and Hal's kids (Kerry, Kyla, and Hayden) alone with strength before finding hope and love again with Dr. Martin Taliak, (who thought she had a great pair of legs!), and his two daughters (Jennifer and Mary Alice). Together they built a close-knit blended family — The seven of them were an unstoppable crew, spending summers on Middle Bass Island for four decades and raising another generation of lake-lovers along the way (Martin and Mitsana Sanderson, Berit and Tate Elderton, Sophie, Ella and Anya Renners, Emma, Callan, and Anna Stafford, and Jamie Salinsky and her daughters Samantha and Madeline).
In her later years she became a glamorous globetrotter, a children’s book author, and remained an involved John Marshall and Northwestern alumna; Lynn remained a force to be reckoned with well into her eighties, even after a fall that altered her final course dramatically. She lived life boldly, bravely, and beautifully. Lynn is now at peace with her beloved Harald and her daughter, Kerry Stafford Henze, who passed far too soon just months ago. She will be missed as deeply as her endless joyful energy was cherished. May her memory be a blessing to all who were fortunate enough to have known her.
We will celebrate her on June 13, 2026 from noon until the wee hours of the night at Kyla and Jeff Elderton's home, 2976 Sutton Lane in Medina Ohio. Before then, please share a short anecdote or memory of Lynn - these will be printed and available for all to enjoy at the celebration. Please share to [email protected]
What’s your fondest memory of Lynn?
What’s a lesson you learned from Lynn?
Share a story where Lynn's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Lynn you’ll never forget.
How did Lynn make you smile?
