OBITUARIES
A Remembrance of Loved Ones
Eric T. Nero
Eric T. Nero age 30, passed away on November 10, 2022. Cherished son of Sheryl Nero, and Stepfather Eric Kennebrew. Loving brother of Ashley Crow, (Chris Kinsner), and Jessica Mabe (Matt). Uncle of Noah Kinsner, Evan Mabe, Ethan Mabe, and Kaylee Mabe. Eric enjoyed making people laugh,playing his guitar, and being a kid at heart. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date.
Tag A. Koenig
Tag A. Koenig age 63 of Willoughby, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on November 8, 2022. Loving son of Sandy and the late Jay Koenig. Cherished husband of Deb Koenig (nee Krouse). Devoted father of Kevin Koenig, and Melissa Perme (husband Gabe). Dear brother of Kim Klein. Tag was a mechanical engineer, and a Pyro Technician Assistant. In his free time he enjoyed bike riding, camping, and being with his family. Private family services were held.
Evelyn Soke
Evelyn (Toot) Soke of Painesville Township passed away Monday November 7th 2022 at Tripoint Medical center. She was born August 14th 1949 to Lynn and Katherine Leslie. Evelyn enjoyed camping and spending time with friends. She devoted her life to her children. She loved to be with her family especially her grandchildren. She is survived by her children Frank (Katie) Soke and Erin (Donnie) Hughell. Her grandchildren Austin, Donald, Thomas, Andrew, Jayson, Gannon, and Evelyn. Her brother Harry (Marry Ann) Leslie. And many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents and sisters Lynn Ruth (Earl) Ross and Georgia (Tom) Horton. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.
Donna Marie Liebenauer
Donna Marie Liebenauer age 80 of Middlefield, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on November 6, 2022. Devoted wife of 59 ½ years to A. Charles Liebenauer Jr. Loving mother of Lora Liebenauer, and Lisa Evans (Dave), of Waterford, MI. Cherished step-grandchildren of Allison and Luke Evans. Donna was a homemaker who enjoyed visitors, and her memory will remain in her family’s hearts forever. Private family services were held. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Donna’s name to the UH Seidman Cancer Center in Chardon, or Hospice of the Western Reserve, 17876 St. Clair, Ave., Cleveland, OH 44110.
Renee Ann McDeavitt
Renee Ann McDeavitt, age 87, of Painesville, OH passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by family on November 4, 2022 after a long illness. She was born on February 16, 1935 in Erie, PA to the late Horace and Teresa (Reszhowski) Mattison. Renee, affectionately known as “Mimi” to her family, was a teacher and homemaker. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, arts & crafts and spending time with her family. In her later years, she enjoyed working on jigsaw puzzles and was also an avid Guardians fan.
Renee was married to her childhood sweetheart, the late Robert “Bob” McDeavitt, for over 50 years. She is survived by her daughters Mary McDeavitt, Ellen McDeavitt and Andrea (JP) Leonard, all of Painesville, OH; grandchildren Ashley (John) Wayman (Painesville, OH), Amira (Dan) Strobel (Chicago, IL), Jaclyn Leonard (Painesville, OH), and Jared Maher (San Francisco, CA); and great grandchildren Noah Leonard and Mackenzie and Ian Wayman. Her beloved son, Robert “Robbie” McDeavitt, preceded her in death, as did her sister, Yvonne Mattison.
No visitation or memorial service is scheduled. Her final resting place will be West Liberty Cemetery, near Slippery Rock, PA. The family requests contributions to the Hospice of the Western Reserve be made in lieu of flowers or gifts.
Dolores Orma Mayer Tolhurst
Dolores Orma Mayer Tolhurst
March 20 1928 - November 1, 2022
In the early morning hours of November 1, 2022 (All Saints Day) Dolores left this life here for the life to come. Dolores was born March 20, 1928 to Charles Edward and Irma Valeria Saxon Mayer in Cleveland, Ohio. Her early years were spent in the Collinwood area, until her family moved out to Wickliffe where she graduated from High School in 1948, as Salutatorian of her class.
After graduation Dolores entered the field of cosmetology. She owned several Beauty Solons first in the downtown area. Here she met and interviewed her future husband Robert for a position at her shop. She married Robert in April of 1955. A few years later they opened Lakeland Beauty Solon on 200th Street in Euclid. She and her husband would go on to own another solon and a flower shop until they retired in 1996. Always creative she entered and won several competitions in cosmetology, while single and while married to Robert, throughout Ohio and the northeast area.
In retirement she and Robert were active in their church and other community groups. They traveled together. She enjoyed reading and kept herself busy with her home and sewing, she had many projects and enjoyed teaching “Stitch and Sew” in Mentor. She was always a student, she read everything given to her, including all medical information. On one stay in the hospital the nurses told us of her inquiring mind and the technical questions she posed to them after reading every instruction and piece of information they gave her. “If every patient were like her our job would be much easier.” Dolores was mentally sharp until the very end of her life.
The family (and Dolores) would like to thank Linda Walkowski and Judith Tolhurst for their work with Dolores. They put their lives on hold to provide all the extra loving care given to Dolores these last 5 months. Thank you both! To Crossroads Hospice nurses and aids for their wise and tender care, Thank you! We wish to express our deepest appreciation to Blessing Cremation Services for handling the arrangements, Thank you! Finally, to all of you who took the time to visit with Dolores either in person or by phone, those visits meant a lot to her. Thank you!
A memorial service, at her request, will be held on Saturday November 26, 2022 at 2:00 P.M. It will be held at The Salvation Army Cleveland Temple Corps located at 17625 Grove Wood Ave. Cleveland, Ohio 44119, [(216) 692-1388]. There will be a time of visitation from Noon until the time of the service.
Dolores and Robert will be interned at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery on Monday November 28, 2022 (at 2:00 pm), {with full Military rites for Robert} you are invited to attend if you are able.
Nicole Lynn Pitt "Cole"
November 28, 1992 - October 29, 2022
Nicole “Cole” Lynn Pitt age 29, passed away surrounded by her loved ones on October 29, 2022, due to injuries sustained in a car accident. Nicole was a devoted stay at home Mom to her precious daughters Autumn and Layla. Her daughters were her entire world and the love she had for them showed in all that she did. Nicole had a love for her family and friends and never really realized the impact she had on those around her. She was a die-hard Steelers fan, had a love for music, dancing, and just being silly with those around her. Even through her own struggles Nicole made sure that the people around her felt loved and taken care of. Her free spirit and fearless personality were adored and admired. Nicole was the loving mother to Autumn and Layla Taylor and girlfriend of Don Taylor. Loving daughter to Kevin Pitt and Gail Javins. Crazy loving sister to Garrick and Tom Pitt, and Elizabeth Javins. Aunt “TT”to Angelina, Alaina, Gage, Brantley and Tommy Pitt. Granddaughter to Sharon Jarrett and Gary (Virginia) Pitt. Niece to Janet (Paul) Draganic, Laura (John) Ciresi, Loria Estep, Rob (Kristi) Estep, Kim (Ron) Wombough, Jason Pitt and Larry (Karla) Jarrett. She also leaves behind many cousins, friends and loved ones. Nicole was preceded in death by her loving Grandparents, Larry Jarrett, Bill Estep and Marge Estep.
Nicole will be sorely missed by all that knew and loved her.
A Celebration of life will be held on December 3, 2022. The family will communicate the details as they are being finalized.
JAMES HEYDUK
In loving memory of Kenneth James Heyduk, age 62, who passed away on October 26, 2022, surrounded by his family. He was born June 4, 1960, in Cleveland, Ohio. Beloved husband of 43 years to Elaine Heyduk (nee Palange). Cherished father to Melissa Heyduk, Laura Heyduk (Anthony), Kathy Day (Justin) and Shannon Roberts (Evan). Loving Papa to Kenneth Uzarevic, Marija Uzarevic, Braylon Mitchell, Jameson Day and Eddie Day. Son of Sue Erdman and the late Edward Heyduk. Brother to Sue Chambers, Eddie Heyduk, Steve Heyduk and Maureen Heyduk. Kenneth was an avid Cleveland Sports fan. He enjoyed gardening, being outdoors and was a jack of all trades. He was proceeded in death by his father Edward Heyduk and brother Joseph Heyduk. A memorial will be held at a later date to be determined.
Robert Anthony Iacofano
ROBERT ANTHONY IACOFANO SR, age 75 of Mentor Ohio, entered into the light on October 24, 2022. Loving father of Robert Jr (Kathryn), Joseph, and Alicia. Devoted grandfather of Victoria, Jocelyn, and Grace Sutton. Dear brother of Biagio Jr. (Linda) and Ursula Muttillo (Louis). Uncle to many nieces and nephews. Son of the late Biagio Sr. and Rose (nee Pezzente). At 11:30 am on November 10, 2022, the family will be available to greet you at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, 9925 Johnnycake Ridge Rd. Concord Twp. 44060. The mass will begin at 12:30 pm.
Michael DeLuca
Michael DeLuca age 81. Beloved husband of Sharyn (nee Thomas); father of Michelle Bertino (Joseph), Renee Deluca Dolan (Mark); Mike also had step-children that he cherished as his own: Alan (Wendy), Michael, and Stacey (Robert); brother of Joanne Siford (Harold, deceased), Rosemarie D'Amico (William), and the late Patricia Michalko (Paul); grandfather of many, whom he loved dearly. Mike enjoyed gardening and golf. He retired after 33 years from the Lyndhurst Fire Department as a Captain. He will be forever missed.
PRIVATE SERVICES WILL BE HELD
Dorothy M. Barry
Dorothy M. Barry (nee Ash) of Mayfield Heights, Ohio, previously Euclid, Ohio, passed away October 22, 2022 at the age of 99 after a brief illness.
Loving wife of Robert T. Barry (deceased) of Mayfield Heights, Ohio. previously Euclid, Ohio. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 67 years. Devoted Mother of Diane Daiber (Barry) of Willoughby Hills, Ohio and Douglas Barry of Mayfield Heights, Ohio, previously of Pittsburgh PA..
Proud grandmother of Erin Baveye (Daiber), husband Damien Baveye, Hannah Daiber, fiancé Brandon Fahl, and Cameron Daiber.
Great Grandmother of August Fahl. Sister of Margaret Skrance (Ash) (deceased)
Dorothy worked as treasurer at Euclid High School for many years. She enjoyed golfing, socializing with her friends, and especially loved family gatherings. Dorothy and Robert happily spent their retirement years enjoying travel and their grandchildren.
A Memorial Mass will take place at 10:00 AM November 4, 2022 at St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 6850 Mayfield Road, Gates Mills Ohio
Family will receive friends at the church prior to the mass. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in her memory to a charity of your choice.
Stephen E. Donnally
Stephen E. Donnally age 70, of Concord Township, entered into his eternal heavenly home on October 19, 2022 surrounded by his loving family in the comfort of his home. Steve bravely fought a seventeen month battle with leukemia and then lymphoma. Beloved and faithful husband of 31 years to Bonnie Donnally (Glovan), Cherished father to Jessica Ritt (Jimmy) and Melanie Donnally. Adoring grandfather to Addie Ritt and treasured brother-in-law to John Glovan. Loving brother to Sheila Sage and brother in law to Jan Glovan and the late Tony Glovan. Uncle to TJ and Alyssa Glovan and Joseph Sage. Son of the late Thomas Donnally and Winona Phillips.
First and foremost, he was a faithful follower of Christ who also led many others in their walk of faith. Scripture and Bible study were of great significance to him and a fundamental part of who he was. He was fun, jovial, playful, and known by all as being so positive and uplifting. He had the most gentle spirit and incredibly kind heart. Steve extended graciousness and warmth to everyone he met. His family was his world, and he loved any time spent with them. He knew that family was not just an important thing, it was "everything" to him. Some of his fondest memories he created with them include vacations to the ocean, lake drives, park walks, being outside in nature, walking his beloved dogs, singing along to his golden oldies, and making his family laugh.
Steve retired in the summer of 2001 from the Euclid Fire Department as Lt. Steve Donnally after 27 years of service. He began his retirement career of bus driving for the Riverside School District in December of 2001. In his spare time he could be found on the golf course, playing a relaxed 9 holes and taking in nature’s beauty. He also enjoyed prayer walks in the park, cross country skiing, and tennis with his buddies. He took great pride in his meticulously manicured lawn, which he loved to admire from his lawn chair in the driveway - ice cold Diet Coke in hand. Although Steve will be greatly missed, he will forever remain in the hearts of those he has touched and will live on through the ongoing Christian walk of those inspired by his faith.
The family will receive friends from 10:00am to 11:00am on Saturday October 29, 2022 at St. Gabriel Catholic Church - 9925 Johnnycake Ridge Rd, Mentor, OH 44060. A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00am in the church. A private internment will be held at a later date. The family suggests contributions be made to St. Gabriel Catholic Church or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Barbara Ann Mullins
Services for Barbara Ann Mullins will be held on Monday, October 24, 2022 at Pilgrim Lutheran Brethren Church, 9514 Johnnycake Ridge Rd, Mentor, Ohio. Visitation is at 5:00 and service is at 7:00.
Barbara was born to Alton and Mildred Gummoe in Waymart Borough Pennsylvania, August 4,1933. After graduation from Waymart High School she moved to Ohio but always referred to Carbondale, Pennsylvania as “going home.” She moved to her Madison Ave home in 1959 and lived there until she left this earth on October 18, 2022 surrounded by 2 granddaughters. The rest of those who loved her were with her in spirit. She leaves behind, for a while, her daughters and son in laws, Sherry and David Ebbert and Cyndi and Daniel Beemiller and her son and daughter in law, Scott and Donna Mullins.
Also leaving behind her grandchildren, Amy Panebianco, Joshua and Gina Ebbert, Sara Ebbert, Rachel Ebbert, Justin Beemiller, Amanda Beemiller and Matt Lambert, Devin Beemiller, Dylan Beemiller, Megan Beemiller, Ashley and Seth Osborne and Tessa Mullins.
She is great grandmother to Joseph Panebianco, Colin Panebianco, Tyler Ebbert, Faith Yankie, Griffin Ebbert, Jillian Ebbert, Colton Yankie, Keegan Lambert, Keelianna Lambert, and Keeston Lambert. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, and longtime friends and neighbors who have loved her well.
Sherman Mullins, infant children Robert Mullins and Karen Mullins, her sisters Shirley Johnson, Beverly Hicks, Gloria Cole, and her granddaughter Jessica Cottrell preceded her in death.
While she will be dearly missed here we know that heaven is a wonderful place and we are grateful she is now there with her Savior and those who have gone before her.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Medical Supplies for Christ, Inc in care of Pilgrim Lutheran Brethren Church.
Edward A. Pecka Sr.
Edward A. Pecka Sr. age 79 of Mentor. Passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on October 15, 2022. Loving companion Kathy Cirino. Father of Tammy Whetsel (Michael Wagner), Kathy Snyder, and Edward Pecka (Kris). Grandfather of Jessica, Christina, Jillian, Michael, Kurt, Dan, Kelsea, Joe, and Jon, A.J. and Aidan. Great-grandfather of 7. Edward proudly served his country as a Navy Veteran for four years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and playing horseshoes. He was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers Fan, cheering for them in black and gold apparel.
A Memorial Service will be held on Friday October 21, 2022 at 1:00 P.M. at St. John Vianney Church, 7575 Bellflower Rd, Mentor, OH 44060. After the church service, Celebration of Life dinner will be held at Gunny’s Hall, 8720 Twinbrook Rd, Mentor, OH 44060.
Timothy M. Zmecek
Timothy M. Zmecek age 78, passed away October 15, 2022. He was born June 28, 1944 to the late Michael and Charlotte (Burr) Zmecek. Tim leaves behind his best friend Mary Roper, daughters Cindy Stanley, Faith Roper, and Jessica Roper. Brother Tom Zmecek (wife Carol deceased), Sister Mary Zmecek Lette (husband Don deceased), and much loved family and friends.
Tim lived his entire life in Lake County, and was known by many for his work at various restaurants. He was the owner of Tim Z's restaurant in Perry for many years. Tim loved the Christmas season as friends, family and customers would ask him to visit them as Santa Claus to surprise the children.
Tim fought valiantly for more than seven years against a progressive illness. Even on his worst days, Tim was able to smile and “talk with his beautiful blue eyes." His favorite hobby was golf which he enjoyed until he could no longer play.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Noon on October 31, 2022 at St. Gabriel Church, 9935 Johnnycake Ridge Road, Mentor, OH 44060. Private Burial will be held at a later date. The family would like to acknowledge Grand River Health & Rehab, and Hospice of the Western Reserve for their special care and compassion throughout these difficult times.
Helen Louise Lair
Helen Louise Lair passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 13th at Governor’s Pointe Assisted Living Facility in Mentor.
Helen was born on February 16, 1932, in Cincinnati, Ohio to Craig Wiles and Lola (Land) Wiles.
Helen was a graduate of Hughes High School in Cincinnati. Helen was a secretary for Cincinnati Public and then Akron Public Schools until her retirement in 1994.
Helen loved volunteering her time, reading, exercising, and meeting new people. She was an active member at the Mentor Senior Center working in the library and participating in various activities. She also attended Prince of Peace Church where she volunteered in the kitchen and enjoyed many of the social activities at the church. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends, and especially loved being a Grandma to her three grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by sisters, Barbara Jean Atwood and Ruth Englehardt. She is survived by her daughter, Ami (Daniel) O’Malley; and was extremely proud of her three grandchildren, Connor O’Malley, Colleen O’Malley, and Brennan O’Malley.
A “Celebration of Life” service will be held at Prince of Peace Church on Saturday, November 5th, at noon at 7193 Reynolds Rd., Mentor, Ohio. There will be a luncheon following with two of Helen’s favorites (hotdog bar and cookies). She would always say “I never met a cookie I didn’t like.”
Leona Holodniak
February 20, 1929 - September 24, 2022
Leona “Lee” Patricia Holodniak (nee Kubiak), age 93 of Painesville Township passed away peacefully September 24, 2022. She was born on February 20, 1929, in Cleveland, Ohio to Joseph and Lottie (Uzinski) Kubiak.
Lee worked at Higbee’s for many years in addition to travelling the world with her husband, John. She volunteered at Meridia Euclid Hospital and loved dancing and playing cards. She also loved spending time with her grandchildren, who lovingly called her “Grammie”. She was quite the social butterfly making friends over the years while taking swim classes at the local YMCA, as well as her many neighborhood friends in Euclid and Painesville.
She is survived by her children John (Rose) Holodniak, and Carol Wilson. She also leaves behind her grandchildren Jonathan (Heather) Holodniak, Sean Holodniak (Amanda Wiegert), Nikki (Dennis) Nevar, and Becky Wilson; and great-grandchildren Cassidy, Idas, Vaughn, Gil, Fern, Cameron, Chase, and Alanna. She is also survived by her best friend and cousin, Florence Funta, as well as great-nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Joseph and Lottie, husband John Holodniak, daughter Karen Holodniak, and son-in-law Arthur Wilson.
Friends and family are invited to join Mass which will be held on Saturday, October 8th at 10:00 am at St. Mary’s Church at 242 N. State Street, Painesville, OH, with a luncheon immediately following at Rider’s Inn located at 792 Mentor Ave., Painesville, OH. Private burial will be held.
Mass will be live streamed through the "St. Mary Catholic Church Painesville" Facebook page for those who aren't able to attend.
Seth Scott Evenhiemer
Seth Scott Evenhiemer age 66 of Mentor, resided in Parma Heights. Passed away on October 1, 2022. Beloved brother of Shari Stuart (Frank deceased), Steve Evenhiemer (Loretta), and Scott Evenhiemer (Denise). Loving uncle of Dale Stuart, Melissa Evenhiemer, Lindsey Liddy, Scott Evenhiemer Jr., and Heather Lynn Ontiveros. A Private family service will be held at a future date.
AUDREY GRUM
Audrey Grum (Thomas), age 70, died on 9/26/22 while listening to the tunes of Johnny Mathis and surrounded by family. Beloved wife of 44 years to Michael (deceased). Survived by son, Michael, granddaughter Angel, brother Noah and sister Beverlee (Thomas) Newsome. Sister-in-law to Mary Louise (James) Ezzo, Rose Ann (Steve) Futterer, and Carol (Vic) Syracuse. Aunt to James (Christina) Ezzo, Lisa (Dan) Gagich, Alyssa (Eric) Futterer, Melanie Thomas, Noelle (Edward) Alexander, Jenna and Noah (Jessica) Newsome. Preceded in death by parents Noah and Christine Thomas. Special thanks to Audrey’s good friends Melody and Dan Hughes and Jim Puskus.
We called Audrey our “Miracle Woman” having survived 3 bouts with Oligodendroglioma brain cancer and it’s side effects for 31 years. Audrey loved music and would dance unapologetically with or without a partner. She knew the lyrics and melody to every song from the 50’s and 60’s. She also could recite all the facts about the artists. While at Mentor Ridge, she could be seen tooling down the hall with her walker and headphones. Periodically she would break out in dance and ‘forget’ all about the walker. Audrey enjoyed vintage sitcoms especially Gilligan’s Island re-runs. She chose her wigs and decided if she would be Raquel Welch or Jacqueline Smith for the day. Audrey made delicious Pumpkin Pies and was the designated pie maker for family events! Her luxuries in life were reading a celebrity biography, a tasty cup of tea, a yummy hot chocolate, and a cool pair of sunglasses! The family thanks all the staff at Mentor Ridge Health and Rehab for their 4 years of loving care. To celebrate her life, A Mass of Christian Burial will held on Saturday Oct. 8, 2022 at 10:30 at St. Mary Magdalene Church, 32114 Vine St. Willowick.
Dean Ulsenheimer
Dean Ulsenheimer was called to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on September, 2022. He died peacefully at the Hospice of Western Reserve facility. Loving Husband to his wife of 38 years Monica (Née Rigo), loving father to Cathi, Christine, Shelley and Scott. Grandfather to Tara, Niamh(Casper), and Katie.
A lifelong teacher and educator of the English language, especially romantic literature(Keats).
A memorial will be held at a later date to be determined.
In Lieu of flowers please make donations to the hospice of Western reserve in Dean‘s name.