Ivy Carpenter

Ivy Carpenter was a beloved daughter, cherished sister, devoted mother and loyal friend. Her greatest talent, among so many, was her gift as a storyteller. Sharing heart-warming memories in person, in her popular written tales online, and especially in her prolific artwork, Ivy was a shining light.

That light dimmed on Sept. 19. Born in Vandling, Ivy was the daughter of the late Helen Carpenter Burnakis, Gilbert Carpenter and her stepfather Thomas J. Burnakis. She is survived by brother, Thomas G. Burnakis and wife, Jane, of Jacksonville, Fla.; sons, Jon Harcharek, of Vandling; and Tom Harcharek, of Fredericksburg, Va.; and preceded in death by a son, David Harcharek, Boston. Also surviving are two granddaughters, Allie and Helen Harcharek; and four great grandchildren, Cora, Louis, KJ and Taki.

A graduate of Forest City High School, Ivy earned a B.S. in education at Mansfield University, teaching all grade levels for over 25 years. At age 50, she took a class on the "new technology" of computers, then taught others in her new career until retirement. Ironically, as a home-economics teacher, Ivy hated to cook. As mom to three reckless boys, she rarely fretted over a broken vase. "One less thing to dust," she'd sigh. Her paintings were highly valued, now in private collections, yet she preferred to give most away with love. As an inquisitive young girl, Ivy once wondered if a magnifying glass could indeed make grass burn, unintentionally setting fire to Vandling fields.

A celebration of her life will begin at noon on Saturday, Oct. 12 at Jones and Brennan Funeral Home, 430 Main St., Forest City, with interment to follow in Union Dale Cemetery.

Friends may call from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. All with stories of their own are invited to please come share, laugh and remember together. And be on the lookout for beams of light from above.

For directions or to share online condolences, visit the funeral home website.