OBITUARIES
A Remembrance of Loved Ones
James (Jim) Karis
James (Jim) Karis, 77, of Madison, Ohio, unexpectedly passed at home on November 4, 2019.
He was born June 18, 1942 in Struthers, Ohio to the late Tony and Mary Karis.
Preceded in death by his siblings, Richard, Stephen, and Sylvia.
Jim served in the Vietnam War. He retired from the Coast Guard as Chief Boatswain's Mate, served a total of 22 years in the Military Service. Jim, also, retired from the United States Postal Service in Painesville after 20 years.
Survived by his wife, Susan, who will forever miss him. Daughter, Kellee; Grandsons Cole and Connor. Son, Kurt; Grandson Ryan and Ethan. Siblings, Robert (Peggie) and Donald (Chris).
Jim was an avid fan of the Cleveland Indians and the Cleveland Browns. Jim, also, enjoyed going to the casinos with Susan.
All that knew Jim will remember him as a character with a great sense of humor. He will forever be loved and missed.
There will not be a service, per Jim's wishes.
If desired, contributions can be made to the "Operation Homefront" (Assistance to Military families during a crisis.) online at www.operationhomefront.org or by mail at Operation Homefront, 1355 Central Parkway S Ste 100, San Antonio, TX 78232 or by phone at (210) 659-7756. Please make notation, In Memory of James Karis.
Penny Cogar
June 18, 1954 - October 31, 2019
Penny Lynn Cogar (Hvizda) age 65 of Willoughby, OH, passed away on October 31, 2019, from a brief battle with non-small cell cancer. Penny was born in Franklin Twp., PA. Beloved daughter of Paul A. Hvizda Sr. and Margaret Kolk (Cannon) and step daughter of Dorothy Hvizda (Larned), who raised her (all deceased); mother of Shawnee Marie Curtis of Geneva, OH, David Anthony DeMore of Painesville, OH, Christopher Paul DeMore of Eastlake, OH; sister of Paulda Long of Eastlake, OH, Roxann Massey of Painesville, OH, Judy Thurmond of Sable, Idaho, Brenda DelZappo of Phoenix, OH., Paul A. Hvizda Jr of Sun City, AZ, Randy Hvizda of Chesterland, OH, Kevin Hvizda of San Diego, CA, Joe Hvizda (deceased) and Keith Hvizda (deceased). half-sister of Tona Petri of Willowick, OH, Lisa Kolk of Euclid, OH; Stepsister of Al Lawrence of Madison, OH, Dave Lawrence of Madison, OH, Dennis Lawrence of Painesville, OH. Penny’s greatest joy, her grandchildren: Alec DeMore, Alyssa DeMore, Chase Curtis, Roslynn Curtis. Best friend and sister in law of Cindy Hvizda of Phoenix, AZ. Penny loved to cook, bake, and being in the outdoors.
A celebration of life will be held November 10th from 12-3 pm at Sammy K’s Steakhouse 4706 N Ridge Rd Perry, OH.
Gary Barnett
Gary Barnett, 75, of Mentor, passed on October 28, 2019. He was born in April 1944 to the late Guy and Goldie (Hutchison) Barnett of East Liverpool, Ohio. Gary is a U.S. Army Veteran, having served with the Armor Division in Germany. He was an owner of Convenient Food Mart, also an auto body technician in the East Liverpool and Mentor areas. Gary leaves behind his wife, Victoria (Loxterman); son, Scott; sibling, Gerri. He is preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, Gladys and Grace. The family wishes to thank everyone who took care of him these last months.
A memorial service will be held at a later date
Martin K. Fitzgerald
Martin K Fitzgerald – 68, passed at home on Tuesday, October 29, 2019. He is survived by his mother, Betty; siblings, Carol (Don) Schedler, Susan (Barry) Rubin, Ed (Terry), Bruce (Mary), Donald (Darcy), and Judy (Rob) Williams; sister-in-law, Geraldine Fitzgerald; best friend and soul mate Susan Lorek Fitzgerald, steadfast friend and caregiver Chris Hess; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his father, Donald and siblings Donna St. John and Ronald.
Martin was an SP5 Army Veteran who served in Vietnam as Helicopter Crew Chief where he earned several distinctions, including a Purple Heart. He was a Master Mechanic and owner/operator of Premier Automotive in Charlottesville, Virginia where he restored and showed Jaguars and classic cars for customers from coast to coast, winning many top awards across the country.
Family and friends may visit at 10:00 am, Monday, Nov 4, St Mary Magdalene Church, 32114 Vine Street, Willowick. Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 am. Interment at Section 29, Mentor Cemetery, 6881 Hopkins Rd, followed by lunch at St. Mary Magdalene.
In lieu of flowers, family suggests donations to Hospice of the Western Reserve, PO Box 72101, Cleveland, OH 44192
Ruth A. Marquart
September 28, 1943 - October 24, 2019
Age 76, of Aurora, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, October 24, 2019. She leaves her son Chaz (wife Yvonne); daughter, Devon (husband Bart); devoted grandmother. Ruth is survived by her siblings: Thomas Marquart (late Joyce), Sue Stahlhut (husband Heinz), Jane Mott (husband William).
A Celebration of Life service will be Saturday, November 2, 2019, 12:00 p.m. at the Solon United Methodist Church, 5540 SOM Center Rd., Solon, Ohio 44139.
Eiko Bihary
Eiko Bihary passed away peacefully surround by her loving family and close friends at University Hospitals in Cleveland on October 15, 2019 in Room 7-28 after a long illness. Eiko was born July 28, 1952 in Gumma-Pri, Japan.
Eiko attended high school in her home town and attended college for two years. After being raised as a Buddhist, she decided to become a Christian. She became a missionary of the Unification Church. She came to the United States and worked on the International One World Crusade. She traveled the United States with Fr. And Mrs. Moon. She worked in various programs with them during while she was with them here in the US. Eiko and got her license driving a Winnebago in Vermont in the winter!
Mother’s Day weekend of 1979, the missionaries gathered in New York City. Fr. And Mother Moon matched her future husband Chris with her. They were married in August 1979. Then in 1982 they celebrated their union with Father and Mother Moon with 2005 other couples in New York City.
After raising her three children, Eiko started painting again which was a passion of hers. She was an award winning artist whose work was displayed at various libraries; Morley, Mentor and Beachwood. Eiko also knitted for her family. She was proficient in origami.
Eiko is survived by her faithful and loving husband, Chris. She also has three children; Yong, Joshua and Yoko. Preceding Eiko in death are her parents, two sisters and one brother.
A Memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2019 at the Miracle Revival Ministry located at 182 West Jackson Street, Painesville, OH 44077 at 1:00 pm. A gathering and fellowship will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. After the service, all are invited to Rider’s Inn, 792 Mentor Avenue, Painesville, OH 44077 for a musical celebration of Eiko’s life. Gathering time will be 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
Patricia Liebenauer
Patricia Liebenauer, 89, died peacefully on Saturday, October 19th at Altercare of Mayfield Village, OH.
She was born in Cresson, PA on June 4, 1930 and moved with her family to Cleveland as a young child, growing up in the parish of St. Thomas Aquinas on the East Side.
Preceded in death earlier this year by her true love and husband, Kenneth Liebenauer, her parents Margaret and Matthew Smith, and siblings Tom, Mary Jane, Frank, Joe, and Margie.
Survived by her daughter Julie Szanto, brother Al, and sister-in-law Jean. Missed already by the Smith, Szanto, Liebenauer, and Jackson families.
She was a faithful fan of the Cleveland Indians (but not the Browns or Cavs!), with a happy heart and a beautiful smile. A graduate of Notre Dame College, Patty was a school teacher for many years with a huge love of the little ones she taught. She was a lover of good food, family stories, word search puzzles, perfume, Little Italy, and dogs and cats. Patty had many good friends at Altercare, where she will no doubt be missed by both staff and residents.
Her family wishes to thank Altercare and Absolute Hospice for their loving care and friendship to our beloved Patty.
Ryan E. Jackson
July 27, 1976 - October 17, 2019
Beloved son of Lillie Jackson (nee Myers) and Frank (deceased); brother of Paula McCann (Tyrone), Kelly McCann (Mackie), Frankie (Jennie), and Raynell; uncle, cousin and friend of many.
No services will be held.
Darlene A. Kusmirek
April 15, 1950 - October 21, 2019
Darlene “Oma” Kusmirek (née Schultz) died peacefully on October 21, 2019 at the age of 69. Darlene is survived by her husband Rich; children, Tim & Kris; daughter-in-law, Megan; grandchildren, Tyler and Brady. She is preceded in death by her parent’s Clayton and Helen Schultz. Darlene was born on April 15, 1950 in Cleveland Ohio to Clayton and Helen Schultz. She married Rich Kusmirek, the love of her life for 48 years, in August of 1971. She raised two boys in Brecksville working full time as an accountant. She enjoyed time on the lake boating with her family, gardening, and watching her two boys play sports. Her two grandchildren, Tyler and Brady, were the apple of her eye.
An open mass is scheduled for October 26, 2019 at 10:00 am. The mass will be held at St. Basil Parish in Brecksville, with a private luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to send donations to the American Heart Association. There is a location once you click on the below link to put her name and send comments to the family (gift tribute recipient’s email: kkusmirek@live.com):
Mail: American Heart Association/ American Stroke Association 3816 Paysphere Circle Chicago, IL 60674
Shirley A. Burkhart
Shirley A Burkhart of Chardon, Ohio passed peacefully at her home.
She was born December 7th 1954 in Euclid, Ohio to her parents Joseph and Loretta Burkhart, who she is now singing and dancing with in heaven.
Surviving are her children, who meant the world to her, her son Scott (Cayla) Geller, and her daughter Rebecca Geller; her grandchildren, Brett, Aniella and Hailey; her sister’s, Teri (Dan) Geller, Barbara Burkhart, and Christine (Mike) Burkhart-Crowley; her niece Samantha (Ryan) Hoar. And nephews, Ricky (Letty) Geller, Bryan (Erin) Geller and Michael (Emily) Geller and her many Great nieces and nephews.
Shirley loved music and dancing and was blessed with a keen eye for interior design. She loved animals and can now enjoy walking her beloved dog, Lucas (deceased). Her greatest joy in life was spending time with her family.
A celebration of her life will be held for family and friends on Saturday, October 26, from 2pm to 6pm at Ridgewood Kitchen & Spirits located at 9853 Johnnycake Ridge Rd. Mentor, OH 44060.
Timothy F. Hewitt
Timothy F. Hewitt, 53, passed away having diabetes and heart problems.
Survived by his Mother, Sarah Sturgill and step-father, Jonathan Sturgill; sister, Mary Gross and brother, Andrew Hewitt; 3 nieces, 2 nephews, 1 great-niece and 1 great-nephew.
He worked at several factories as a truck driver and an electronics technician. He will be sadly missed by family and friends.
Pauline G. Rask (nee Mauser)
Pauline G Rask (nee Mauser) wife to William Rask (deceased), beloved mother to Ann-Marie Bors and Dennis Bors (Marlene). Beloved grandmother to Christine Foster (Dave), Kimberly Leamer (Gary), Marc Foster (Elizabeth), Rob Foster (Kristi), Michael Bors, Stephen Bors (Teresa). Great Grandmother to Melanie Foster, Abigail Leamer, Leeland Leamer, Ava Foster, Max Foster, Serena Bors and Amy Bors. Daughter of Joseph (deceased) and Anna Mauser (deceased). Sister to eight siblings (deceased) Surviving Sister in law Pauline Mausser.
Arrangements being made by Blessing Cremation Center. She will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery at a future date.
Cheryl Cerise Gray
Cheryl Cerise Gray left us in peace at her home in Fairport Harbor, Ohio on October 6th at the young age of 64.
Cheryl is predeceased by mother, Patricia (Dillow) Kramer. father, Ronald Kramer, mother-in-law Madeline (Christ) Lane, brother-in-law, Danny O’Brien, and all whom which Cheryl loved in cared for during their final days. Also preceded in death by nephew, Joshua O’Brien, father-in-law Dale Lane, brother-in law Mark Gray.
Cheryl is survived by her loving husband of 29 years, Scott Gray, three sons, Chad Mikesell (Jesika), Troy Mikesell (Jeanette), and Ryan (Jen) McCoy, daughter-in-laws Amy and Stephanie. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Hailey, Taylor, Caleb, Cerise, Ella, Zoe, Zemma, and Murdock. Siblings Rhonda O’Brien, Linda (Rod) Jones, Scott (Sandi) Kramer, Jeff Kramer and many loved nieces and nephews and dearest friends Linda Harrelson and Cher Carr.
Cheryl was a gleaming light in everybody’s lives that she touched. A million beautiful words come to mind when she is thought of, the most prominent being her selflessness. Cheryl gave everything and more to not only the ones that she loved, but the ones they loved as well. She will forever be remembered by her altruistic trait. Her intoxicating laugh will be missed the most for how effortlessly it could light up an entire room (and in her loved one’s case -- an entire life). Cheryl’s level of devotion to her family will be an exemplar for generations to come.
Special thank you to Dr. Lele, all the staff in the ICU and CCU at Tripoint Medical Center, and the specialists that helped her through this ordeal. They couldn’t have been more caring.
Barbara Della Pochodzay
Barbara Della Pochodzay of Mentor, Ohio, died peacefully at home with her family on Monday, October 7, 2019.
She was born July 11, 1938 to Earl and Buelah Barnett in Pennlee, Lee County, Virginia. On July 28, 1954 she married Darwin Lee Pochodzay.
Barbara is survived by Darwin, her husband of 65 years; daughters, Linda (Randy) Edwards, Sandra (John) Rein; sons, Dale (Genny), Dennis (fiance, Shallyn Leland), and Timothy (Tammy); 11 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; 2 Sisters, Patsy (Mike) Stone of Mentor and Connie Morangello of Virginia. Several nieces and nephews and other extended family.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Danny and Richard Barnett; a son, John Michael Pochodzay; 3 grandchildren, Jeffrey Pochodzay, Rachel Rein, and Steven Chapman.
A Memorial Service will be held Friday, October 11, 2019 at 1:00pm at Central Assembly, 6958 Hopkins Rd, Mentor with her Pastor, Reverend Charles Pahlman officiating.
A private Graveside Service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donation may be made to Central Assembly or Hospice of the Western Reserve, PO Box 72101, Cleveland, Ohio 44192.
Robert “Bob” Yaeger
Robert “Bob” Yaeger, December 27, 1948 - 2019, passed away in the early morning on Wednesday, October 2nd. Bob, a Vietnam veteran who served in the Army, is survived by his wife of 46 years, Maria, and five sons, Michael (wife Shanda Chandler), John (wife Candace Leonardi), Tim, Giovanni (deceased), and Dominick. Bob was loved by his brothers Michael (wife Jean) and Phil (wife Lori), nieces, nephews, and his grandchildren, Blake, Maria, Cecelia, and Lena.
Bob, a devoted husband and father, will be remembered by friends and family as someone who enjoyed laughing and telling jokes. He was passionate about classic cars and building his 57 Chevy, as well as his numerous collections that included trains, stamps, and butterflies.
Private services will be held for immediate family members.
Kathleen Ruth (Collins) Meyer
Kathleen Ruth [Collins] Meyer, known as Casey by family and friends, died at home on September 20, 2019. She was the beloved wife of Thomas R Meyer and loving mother of Tammy A Strasser [Kenneth], Michael J Meyer, and Kenneth J Meyer [Brittany]. Cherished grandmother of 6: Dominic Strasser, Macayla Strasser, Sine Strasser, Thomas Meyer, Brooklynn Meyer, and Christina Meyer. Casey was preceded in death by her parents Edward and Mary Helen Collins. She was the oldest of 7 children. Her sisters are Patricia Pattison [Peter], Theresa Pace [Steven], Eileen Lee [David], and Peggy Gertz [John]. Her brothers are Edward and Dennis Collins [Karen]. She also leaves many other family, friends, nieces, nephews, and cousins who will no doubt miss her. Casey was also known for her ability as a knitter and for her generosity as she often had something for many.
Private arrangements will be at a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Hospice of the Western Reserve 17876 St Clair Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44110-2602.
Janice Mary (Anderson) LaVone
Janice Mary (Anderson) LaVone, age 82, formerly of Eagan, Minnesota, is with her Heavenly Father, having passed away peacefully, and with dignity, in her daughter’s home in Concord Township, OH on Sunday, September 29, 2019.
Janice was born in Minneapolis, MN to Vera and Arnold Anderson on October 18, 1936. Janice was an honest, genuine, independent, supportive, and loving daughter, sister, mother, grandmother and friend. She spent 29 years working at the University of Minnesota, finishing her time there in Student Support Services. Following her retirement, you could find Jan biking, canoeing, traveling, dancing, in water exercise class, reading a good book, or with her friends at Minnesota casinos. One could not ask for a more loyal friend. Being a friend with Jan meant you were held in high regard, and you had her utmost respect.
She is survived by her daughters, Mary Kay Olson, Julie Brizes (Matt); seven grandchildren, Nick, Eric, McKenzie Brizes, and, Dalton, Ryan, Nathaniel, and Nicholas Olson; two sisters, Joyce Mundahl, Linda White (Don), two brothers, Richard Anderson, and, Tom (Londa) Anderson; and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, Vera and Arnold Anderson, and husband, Kenneth LaVone.
Friends and family are welcome to attend a celebration of Jan’s life at Resurrection Cemetery, 2101 Lexington Ave. S., Mendota Heights, MN 55120 on Saturday, October 19th at 11:00 a.m. We will meet at the cemetery office prior to the service.
Lynn Heavrin
May 21, 1941 - September 4, 2019
In Honor of Lynn Heavrin, who passed peacefully while battling cancer. Bringing love, hope, and joy to others was her life's devotion. She was a woman of grace and resiliency, deeply loved by many.
Lynn was a medical technologist for 45 years, Supervisor of Hematology and Asst Director of Pediatric Labs at Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital. Lynn dedicated her life to helping others, being an active member and fundraising for Ronald McDonald House and the Angel Wings Foundation. Ending her career with 11 years at the Ursuline Sisters' Motherhouse and retiring in 2013.
Her hobbies included restoring antique cars at the Crawford Auto Museum, wood carving, and working in her own custom framing studio "Studio Karen." Well traveled throughout Europe, she was an enigmatic story-teller.
Throughout her life's tribulations she maintained the type of grace that only strength and good character cultivates. Never bitter and always generous, she brought joy and comfort to many acquaintances, patients, friends, and loved ones. Her legacy lives on in the children she saved, the people she helped, the friends she took in, and the people she loved. There is no shortage of gratitude, depth of love, and pain of loss for her life, so beautifully lived. She will be dearly missed by those who knew her best.
Instead of flowers, please help me honor the legacy of Lynn Heavrin and support Cleveland Clinic, one of the many charities she donated to. https://give.ccf.org/fundraiser/2319933
Mildred E. Miller
Mildred E. Miller, age 83, of Mentor, Ohio, passed away September 28, 2019 at David Simpson Hospice House of pancreatic cancer. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, caregiver, friend and matriarch of her family.
She was born in her grandparents’ home on Mentor Avenue in Mentor during a record-setting cold day on January 20, 1936. She grew up in Mentor, raised her family in Perry and remained there for 56 years before returning to her hometown. She felt blessed to spend her last three years, as she put it, “just a hop, skip and a jump” from her childhood home and neighborhood.
Mildred had a rewarding career operating a daycare business up until her retirement in 2004. She adored children and delighted in loving and nurturing each child entrusted to her care. She derived such pleasure watching her daycare children grow into adults and she took great pride in their accomplishments, just as she did for her own children. Many years earlier, after her youngest child began school, she went to work in the Perry Schools lunch program as a cashier, followed by working at Fairport Harbor Schools as a Special Education teachers’ aide. After that she fulfilled an important role providing compassionate care as a home health aide. While she was passionate about her work, her most gratifying role was being a mother.
She cared deeply and was always willing to put others’ needs before her own. She was extremely creative, enjoyed reading and scrapbooking, and was an artistic floral designer. She loved nature and animals, inherited an emerald green thumb and was content with a little dirt under her nails from working in her flower gardens and with her magnificent houseplants. She was happiest decorating her home for holidays and entertaining family and friends. She was a gifted cook who could turn anything in the pantry or from the garden into a delicious meal. She collected antiques and believed that her greatest collection was old friends. She enjoyed time spent with ladies of the Red Hat Society and the Wildwood Garden Club.
She is survived by her daughters, Elizabeth (Bruce) Bowman of Killingworth, CT, Judith (John) Church of Perry, OH and Susan Miller-Finocchioli of Concord, OH; son, Jonathan (Tracy) of Madison, OH; grandchildren, Meredith (Jonathan) Clark, Erin Bowman, Tina (Mike) Hamadneh, Molly Church, Jonathan and Joseph Finocchioli, and Ashley, Elizabeth and Erin Adkins; great grandchildren Yasmin and Laila Hamadneh and Lauren Drake; brother, Herb Lybarger; sister-in-law, Gaye Shields; cousins, nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Calvin C. Miller, her grandson, Benjamin Finocchioli, and her parents, Lucy Delamater and G. Joseph Lybarger.
In her memory, the family suggests contributions to Geauga Humane Society Rescue Village, 15463 Chillicothe Road, Novelty, OH 44072 or Hospice of the Western Reserve, 17876 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, OH 44110-2602.
Private family services will be held. Interment will be at the Perry Cemetery, Perry, Ohio.
Jeffrey Alan Dolsen
Jeffrey Alan Dolsen 46 formally of Euclid Ohio passed away unexpectedly on Sept 24, 2019.
Jeff was born to the late Margaret Dolsen and late Thomas Dolsen in Bedford Ohio on December 18, 1972. Jeff was a creative person. Writing and composing music was his passion as well as enjoying the outdoors kayaking throughout Ohio’s many waterways with his beloved friend Heather Rowe.
Jeff is survived by his wife Mary Dolsen (Urso), his sons Gabriel and Nathan Dolsen and daughter Mallory (Sidoti). Jeff is also survived by his siblings Kathy (Bob) Drotleff, Mike (Judy) Dolsen, Patty (Tom) Parr. Jeff was loved by many nieces and nephews as well. Jeff will be dearly missed by all of those who knew him and were lucky enough to be touched by his heart and talent.
Private Memorial will be with Family October 13th.