Kalina Callow Braun

The family of Kalina Callow Braun announces with much sadness her sudden passing on January 25, 2024. Kalina was born in Niles, Ohio and was a longtime Cortland, Ohio resident of 53 years. Kalina was preceded in death by her husband George H. Braun, parents, Leon and Catherine Callow; brothers, Cyril Callow and Mitchel Callow; son-in-law, Donald Whipple.

Kalina graduated from Niles McKinley High School and then met her late husband of 66 years, George at a dance at McKinley Memorial Library.  On March 30, 1957, they were married and resided in Warren, Ohio where she worked as a lab technician at Trumbull Memorial Hospital.  As their family grew, they decided to move to Cortland, Ohio where they raised their 5 children together, Carolyn (Carmen, Jr.) Roberts, Tracy Whipple, David (Tammy Luich) Braun, Mary Cay Griffith, and Stephen (Jennifer) Braun; Eventually becoming grandparents to 9 grandchildren, Kevin, Nathan, Carmen III, Rachel, Crystal, Andrew, Evan, Tyler, and Mason and 9 great grandchildren.

Kalina was a devoted wife and mother who prioritized her family lifelong.  As a strong leader of her family, she emphasized the values of hard work, integrity and education and she encouraged her family to always strive for their best.  She lived a full life through her many interests and activities without sacrificing the support and love of her family.  She had a love for the outdoors and gardening, especially her flower gardens.   She also had a competitive nature that was always present whether playing cards with family and friends or one of her many sports, volleyball, golf, and bowling.  She also enjoyed over 30 years of bridge with her husband as her partner, achieving her ACBL Life Master.

She was passionate about being involved in her community and fulfilling her civic duties.  For decades, she served the Board of Elections as a poll worker.  She also consistently served in leadership positions for her long-time bridge club, school PTO, bowling, and golf leagues, often serving as president, secretary, and treasurer.  After raising her family, she continued to serve the community for 10 years in her role at Second National Bank. 

Kalina will be remembered by her family and many of her close friends for her sense of humor and contagious laugh, kindness towards others, her resilience for life’s challenges and love for family.  Recently, she shared with her family how happy she was with her life and the success of her entire family.  

Kalina is survived by her brothers Carl Callow, Eugene (Vicki) Callow, Earl Callow, Joseph (Beverly) Callow, Veliko (Karen) Callow and Blagoy (Rose) Callow, Aunt Anne Szekely, and sister-in-law Darlene Callow and their families.  

Calling hours will be held 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Friday, February 2, 2024, and 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Saturday, February 3, 2024, at Lane Funeral Home Shafer-Winans Chapel 164 N. High St. Cortland, OH 44410. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday following calling hours. The service will be officiated by Rev. Heidi Holst. Interment will be held in Hillside Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.lanefuneralhomes.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lakeview Teacher’s Scholarship, 300 Hillman Dr. Cortland, OH 44410.