Lillian Marie Koval, 88, of Garrettsville, OH, went home to her Lord and Savior on Friday, February 6, 2026. She was born November 25, 1937, in Detroit, MI, to the late Joseph and Genevieve (nee Piesniewski) Dzialak.
She was raised in Hamtramck, MI, then proceeded to get her master’s degree at Western Michigan University in education. She was a wonderful physical education teacher and took great pride in her work. Lillian went on to own and manage Sugar Bush Golf Course in Garrettsville, OH, and was a long-time member of the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Lady’s Guild. She was a passionate advocate for animals and was gracious enough to pass on her love and dedication to her children. Lillian was universally known to be an innately kind soul; her memory will live on for those who were blessed to know her.
Lillian will forever be missed by her children, Michael Koval and Mary (Brett Payne) Koval; grandson, Jackson Berzinskas, as well as many extended family members and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, James Dzialak.
Visitation was held on Sunday, February 15, 2026, 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., at Mallory-DeHaven-Carlson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 8382 Center St., Garrettsville, OH 44231. A Mass of Christian Burial was held Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., at Lillian’s childhood church, Saint Florian Roman Catholic Church, 2626 Poland St., Hamtramck, MI 48212, with Fr. Ryszard Czerniak officiating. Lillian will then be taken to Mt. Olivet, also in Hamtramck, MI, where she will be lovingly laid to rest.
Donations would be graciously accepted, in her name, by the Portage County APL, https://portageapl.org/donate/, to honor her love, respect, and commitment to animals. For online condolences go to www.carlsonfuneralhomes.com.
