OBITUARIES
A Remembrance of Loved Ones
Rita Ann Henderson-Fox
Rita Ann Henderson-Fox age 74. of Wickliffe. Passed away on November 14, 2019. Loving mother of Kellie Dunn. Cherished grandmother of Donovan and Julia. Great-grandmother of Reagin and Logan Rose. Rita was a friend to all.
Emily D. Barnum
Emily D. Barnum (nee Kruk) age 55. Passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on November 13, 2019. Loving wife of Mark. Devoted mother of Justine and Andy Barnum. Cherished grandmother of Aribella, Zaydn, Ava, Abigail, and Kyra. Dear sister of Danny Kruk, Liz Greer, Vickie Kruk, and Dean Kruk. Donations may be made in Emily's memory to the Barnum Family at https://www.gofundme.com/f/emily039s-funeral-arrangements
Joyce N. Soucy
Joyce N. Soucy (Meme), 75, of Painesville, OH. passed away peacefully at her sons home on Tuesday November 12, 2019. She was the wife of the late Daniel J. Soucy Sr. Born in Caribou, ME on March 31, 1944. She was a loving nanny to many children.
Those left to cherish her memory include her son, Daniel J. Soucy Jr. (Valerie), daughter Tina Smith, and son Robert Soucy (Cathy). Grandchildren Jordan Yeckle (Ashley), Josh Yeckle, Robert Soucy, Jeremy Smith (Megan), Ricky Soucy, Daniel R. Soucy Sr., Cory Smith, Deedra Basree (Omar), Danielle Salem (Miloud), Rachael Soucy, and Paige Soucy. Great-grandchildren Noah, Ayah, Aliyah, and Danny Jr.
Her sly poker face and joyful smile will be missed by her family and friends.
The family will hold a private memorial service at Our Lady of the Lake in Euclid, OH.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of the Western Reserve.
Richard Edsall
Richard “Rich” S. Edsall, 74 years of age, of Novelty, OH, died unexpectedly, but peacefully in his home on October 27, 2019. He was born in East Haven, Connecticut to Eleanor Luchtenberg (Edsall) and Howard R. Edsall on August 11, 1945. He graduated from Branford High School and went on to receive his Master of Art Degree in anthropology from Idaho State University. He married Mary Ann Edsall (Dyer) on May 23, 1970 in Kimble Battery Park, Washington, DC. They adopted their only daughter, Melissa, in February 1978. Richard and Mary Ann were married for 47 years. Richard worked for the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) in Cleveland, OH for several years before retiring and living out the rest of his natural life in Novelty. He had a genuine interest and love for nature, knowledge and a good discussion. He could often be found “playing” in his garden or digging in the dirt. He enjoyed hikes, kayaking, traveling and taking care of his cat, Baracka. He also enjoyed spending hours in the library expanding his knowledge of mathematics or history. Above all, he took great pride in his wife, Mary Ann and his daughter, Melissa.
Richard S. Edsall is preceded in death by his beloved wife Mary Ann Edsall, Eleanor Edsall (Mother), Howard R. Edsall (Father) and Linda Edsall Winward (Sister).
Richard S. Edsall is survived by his daughter Melissa J. Edsall (French), and Brian T. French (spouse), Barbara Ann Dyer (dear niece), George Dyer (dear nephew), Richard Booth (cousin), Robin Booth (cousin), Bonnie Cameron (cousin), Polly Gustems (cousin), Nan O’Brien (cousin), Jane Kochman (dearest family friend) and Baracka (cherished cat).
A private memorial service will be established later in which Mary Ann and Richard Edsall will be laid to their final resting place in Hamburg, New Jersey.
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.