
OBITUARIES
A Remembrance of Loved Ones
Todd Harris
Service for Todd Harris, 62, of Willoughby, will be at 3:30 p.m., Monday, October 30th, 2023, at Zion Lutheran Church in Painesville, 508 Mentor Ave., Painesville. You may visit the family prior to the funeral service from 2:30 - 3:30 at the church.
Todd went to be with the Lord October 24th, 2023. “For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down (that is, when we die and leave this earthly body), we will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands.” (2 Corinthians 5:1) Born September 30th, 1961, in Euclid, Ohio. Todd was a painter, and painted many new and old houses before retiring and working part-time as a pizza delivery driver to keep him young and active. He was a loving husband, dad, & Papa. He had a special relationship with his grandkids, whom hold Papa close to their hearts. He also loved watching football and was a big fan of the Browns. He was always ready to make a joke and light up the room with laughter.
Survivors include his wife, Margaret Harris; children, Michael & Anna Nocera, Christopher & Jessica Harris, Nathan & Trisha Harris; five grandchildren, Christopher, Michaela, Kellen, Carrisa, and Thea; siblings Rex (Tammy), Dale (Gretchen), Jack Rowan, James (Sandy) Rowan, Jeffrey (Susan) Rowan, Kathleen (Robert) Summers, Roseanne Rowan, Gerald (Susan) Rowan; many nieces and nephews; he also loved his grand-pup, Loki. He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul Harris and Freda Rowan.
Paula Ann Rosiek (Puskarich)
Paula Ann (Puskarich) Rosiek, 75, of Willoughby Hills, OH, passed away on Sunday, October 15, 2023, at University Hospitals Main Campus in Cleveland, OH. Paula was born on December 15, 1947, in Connellsville, PA. The daughter of Anthony Puskarich, Jr. and Ann (Skudar) Puskarich. Paula lived most of her childhood years in Pennsylvania and moved to Euclid, OH with her parents during her high school years. Upon high school graduation, Paula married and moved to Willoughby Hills, OH, where she raised her family of three boys and lived until her passing. Paula was a homemaker when her boys were young, then worked for the Lubrizol Corporation Coating Additives group as a Sales Coordinator for more than 25 years until her retirement in 2017. Paula loved her family and would do anything for them. Overcoming a brain aneurism then multiple myeloma bone cancer, she was a fighter and had an extremely strong work ethic, passed down by her parents and on to her boys and grandchildren. Paula was a caregiver for both her parents until their passing and was a devoted Christian, believing we are nothing without God in our lives. Paula had the kind of personality that would light up any room she entered and would always carry the conversation, which could last for hours and cover everything and sometimes nothing at all. Her entire family and friends will miss her smile, enthusiasm, laughter, voice of reason, comfort, encouragement and support; her years of knowledge and wisdom; and her unconditional and enduring love.
On October 15, heaven gained the most special, kind, selfless, encouraging and loving angel. Paula was always a fighter to the end, and that’s what she always raised her family to be, saying “Keep on fighting; you are strong, you are able, you are who you are and there’s no one else like you!” She would write long texts to fill your soul and would talk so poetically. You could listen to her for hours and hours on end. A call with Grandma could be about nothing and she would be the most open listening ear. She would sing “You are my Sunshine” and “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” while pushing her grandchildren on the swings and never complain about it even if it were for hours on end. But now, her family knows she will be watching over them as their guardian angel. We are all going to miss Paula so much it hurts, but we know she is up in heaven with no more pain and forever in eternal happiness. Sunsets and the beauty of fall tree colors will remind her family of her love for them and her awe of God’s creation.
Paula is survived by her ex-husband Charles Rosiek of Homosassa, Fl; three loving sons, Stephen Rosiek (Michelle) of Oak Ridge, NJ, David Rosiek of Willoughby Hills, OH, and Timothy Rosiek (Susan) of Mentor, OH, and four adoring grandchildren: Danielle, Christopher, Erin and Kristen Rosiek. She was preceded in death by her parents, Anthony Puskarich, Jr. and Ann (Skudar) Puskarich.
Paula's family is planning a memorial gathering on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at Trinity Church in Mentor, OH from 1-4 pm, weather permitting. She will be cremated and laid to rest in Brownsville, PA, alongside her parents Anthony and Ann.
Sandra Strater
Sandra Faye (Secrest) Strater passed away on Sunday October 15, 2023 at age 86 at her home. Sandra was a Mayfield Heights School teacher for 35 years. She studied at California State College, Ohio University, and Kent State University. She taught school in California, was an avid doll collector, and an active member of The Cleveland Doll Club. She had a huge heart to everyone in her life, and great compassion for animals. Sandra is preceded in death by her parents Clifford and Lucille Secrest, her brother Van Secrest, her aunt Faye Rhodes, and her loving husband Paul Strater. Sand had no Children. She is survived by her niece Tanya Secrest, and great nephew T.J. Rice.
Arrangements have been made at Blessings Cremation Center in Mentor, Ohio.
A celebration of life party will be arranged at a later date.
Larry Nagel
Larry Nagel age 70, passed away on October 14, 2023. Devoted father of Jeremy, and stepfather of Buddy, and Katie. Cherished brother of Al and Denny. Loving companion of Connie. Papa to grandchildren, and friend to many. Loving son of the late Maye (Small ) Nagel, and Jerome Nagel.
Larry loved racing the pocket rocket He used to race at Thompson speedway back in the day. He created Vorian which was a transforming jet car transformed into a robot that performed at numerous monster truck shows and the Macy’s day parade also at the Olympics in 1996 in Atlanta Georgia.
The last 15 years he got into building custom motorcycles. He was on the cover of so many magazines. He debuted a couple of his bikes down on rodeo drive, where he met Jay Leno. Larry lived the life he wanted to live, he did what he loved .. He will be so missed.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date, and will be updated on facebook.
Timothy A. Wallette
Timothy A. Wallette age 64, passed away on October 13, 2023. Loving husband of Marcia Wallette. Devoted father of Timmy, Brittany Mayse (Sam), Jimmy, Joey, LaShauna, and Shaquile. Loving brother of Charla DeVoe, Martin Wallette (Nicol), Luanne Laurich (Roger), Michael, deceased (Michelle). Loving uncle of many. Dearest brother-in-law of Denise, Nicole, Terence, and Vonetta Jones.Good friend of Dwight, Jimmy, George, and many others. Private Services will be held at a later date.
Susan Wallette
May 5, 1950 - September 28, 2023
Susan M. Wallette (nee Starzynski), age 73, loving mother of Stacy Wallette, Jody Haluszka, Kari (Eero) Linna; dear grandmother of Tyler (Caylee) Lucas, Alyssa Lucas (Shawn Edge), Mya Haluszka, Myles Haluszka (Mary-Kate Clancy), Donte Wallette (Melissa Vajskop), Gabriella Linna, Jonathan Linna, Niklas Linna and Casper Linna; great-grandmother of Rosalie Mae Lucas; sister of Jeff (Cheryl) Starzynski. Susan passed away on September 28, 2023. Church services Wednesday, October 4 at 10:00 a.m. at St. John Vianney, 7575 Bellflower Road, Mentor, Ohio.
Eric Nicholas Walker
Eric Nicholas Walker age 46, passed away on September 26, 2023. Cherished son Betty and Royce Walker Sr.Loving husband of Tamika Walker. Devoted father of Latifah Walker. Brother of Tatia and Robin Johnson, Shelton Walker, LaTonya Johnson, and Royce Walker Jr. (deceased). Dear Uncle of Olando and Shayneese Walker, Natalia Hill, Dominick Hill Jr., Deontee Johnson, Delonte and Aaron Walker, Edward Dial Jr., Dacian Steele, Adjoa Walker, and Amari Walker.
Olive Bishop
Olive Bishop age 91 of Thompson, Ohio passed away peacefully on September 23, 2023. Proud mother of Kathy Stone (Daryl), Diane Bishop, and Scott Bishop (Robb); grandmother of Jodi Michener (Rob) and Lisa Bishop; great-grandmother of Celia Michener (Ethen Narehood), Alan Michener, Alexandria Michener, and William Michener; great-great grandmother of Colton Narehood. Olive is proceeded in death by her husband of 69 years Jack Bishop, her parents, brother, sisters and grandson Steve Stone.
No services will be held at this time.
Luann I Deighan
Luann Deighan, 95, of Painesville, Ohio, passed away peacefully in her home, Saturday, September 23rd, surrounded by her family. Anyone who knew her can attest to her deep faith, caring heart, and life-long commitment to her 8 children, their spouses, 17 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and friends from various avenues in her life; including the Heavenly Dusters of which she was a part of for over 30 years at St. Gabriel’s Church in Mentor. Luann is preceded in death by her parents, her sister, a plethora of friends, and the love of her life, Dr. Patrick J. Deighan, DDS. Patrick was the neighborhood paper boy and she’d wait patiently on the porch for his arrival. She’d watch him play tennis and soon they were game, set, match. Luann attended the Ohio State University for two years and left on good terms (the Dean’s note to return anytime is in the chair-side Bible) to work in an office to help her husband pay for dental school. Luann was a home-maker and she excelled in making everyone feel welcomed and loved. Growing up, we never saw her without an apron, and her magic closet had the best gifts for birthdays and surprises. She wanted nothing more than to see her family happy, healthy, and loved.
Luann loved to sew. If it was a sunny day, you’d find her at the sewing machine making or mending something for someone. She taught herself to play the piano at age 40, loved to write poetry, and boy oh boy did she love to shop.
Her 95 years were well-lived! She was blessed with health for 94 years and then time caught up with her on that 95th birthday. A testament to her person can be seen with the over 100 birthday cards she received. As she slowed, she was surrounded by all who loved her, allowing her children to care for her around the clock. A special thank you to the caregivers at UH Hospitals Traveling Teams and Hospice of the Western Reserve for their guidance and support as God called his loving servant home. As we say goodbye, many are welcoming her into paradise. We’re sure dad whistled when she came through the gate. Rest in peace, mom. We will miss you every day.
Funeral mass is October 7, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Gabriel’s Church in Mentor, Ohio
Friends may visit from 10-11 AM at the back of the church.
Luncheon to follow mass from 12:00-2:00.
Burial at All Souls at 2:40 PM
James A. Peckis
James A. Peckis age 73, passed away on September 21, 2023. Cherished son of the late Walter and Marie. Beloved brother of Tom, Jane, and Chuck Peckis. James proudly served his country as a Navy Veteran. He was a longtime member of The Northeast Ohio Corvette Club, and he also loved his cowboy shows. A graveside service will be held at Mentor Cemetery, with military honors on October 14, 2023 at 1:00 P.M. Please meet at Mentor Cemetery at the grave in Section 22 of the cemetery.
Cheryl S. Fain
Celebrating the life of Cheryl S. Fain who passed away on Sept. 21, 2023. Born in California, she enjoyed childhood adventures in California, Hawaii, Guam, and the U. S. Virgin Islands before moving to Ohio and making Roaming Shores her home for 49 years. Daughter of Alfred and Betty (Brightwell) Fain, sister of P. Steven Fain, and mother of Lee, Shawna, and Destrey. Remembered by grandchildren Elijah, Anna, and Joseph, nieces Audra and Camille and their mother Mo, honorary nieces and nephews Katie and Karen Martin, her soulmate Mike, and extended family and countless friends who were blessed to know her.
Cheryl kept busy: Homemaker, swimming instructor, clerk-treasurer of the Village of Roaming Shores, and a nurse. She would talk to any human who needed a friend, and her natural empathy made her beloved to all who met her. She served patients in maternity wards, nursing homes, and those seeking sobriety at Glenbeigh Treatment Center. Her nursing patients often said that God sent “an angel named Cheryl” to them in their times of need.
Cheryl’s hobbies included bowling, macramé, crocheting, quilting, karate, poetry writing, science fiction, card and board games, music, and dance. Her alto voice was beautiful along with guitar, piano, clarinet, saxophone, autoharp, ukulele, and a number of percussion instruments she played with gusto. She performed in church choirs, a praise band, the Sweet Adelines, Messiah Chorus of Lake County, Conneaut Lake Living Christmas Tree (cantata), and for a time was a regular musician at Manners Tree Farm during the Christmas season.
She loved Jesus, her fellow humans, and animals passionately (proved by her pal 'Sneaky' the boa constrictor who lived with her for 27 years). A Red Cross volunteer and editor of the Poetry Pantry column in the Shores News, and one of the first local women Rotarians, Cheryl became the president of the Rock Creek Rotary and a Paul Harris Fellow. A musician and lay servant in the United Methodist Church, and a board member of both the Village of Roaming Shores and the Romerock Association; her secular yet all-inclusive invocations are legendary.
Cheryl’s wish is that her ashes be returned to her place of origin in central California. A celebration of her life will be held at the Roaming Shores Clubhouse on Sunday, October 8. We welcome donations in her name to be made to the Country Neighbor program (P.O. Box 212, 39 S. Maple St., Orwell, OH 44076) or the Slovene Home (18621 Neff Rd. Cleveland OH 44119). “For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” Zeph 3:17.
Jean C. Schodde
Jean C. Schodde of Mentor, OH, age 86 passed on September 17, 2023. Loving daughter of the late Louise and Harold Schodde. Sister of John Schodde.
Jean was an Elementary Teacher for 30 years. She taught 4th Grade. Jean volunteered at Lake health as a trustee, Mentor Fine Arts and her church “Mentor United Methodist Church”.
Some of her accomplishments she won an award for a book she wrote “Rainbow Gifts”, traveled to England and took classes at Oxford. Jean loved to Travel to Disney World, Hilton Head, England, Rose Bowl (CA) and Hawaii. She enjoyed watching the Golden Girls, The Hallmark Channel, Musicals and Disney Movies. Her favorite flowers were Tulips & Daffodils.
Ruth Mary Christensen
Ruth (Dwyer) Christensen passed away in her sleep on September 14, 2023 at the age of 96. Ruth, born Mary Ruth Dwyer, was welcomed into the Dwyer family home via midwife on January 5, 1927 in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. Her parents, Arthur and Mary (McKay) Dwyer, and siblings: Arthur (Jack), Walter, and Myrtle are all deceased. She was raised in a devout Catholic home and attended Catholic schools throughout her childhood. Ruth’s faith was a pillar of her personal life until the very end. Outgoing and independent, Ruth held a variety of jobs in her youth: secretary at the Pentagon during World War II, a waitress at her brother Jack’s diner, at the Ashtabula Star Beacon, and in the meat department at A & P. Although she spent the majority of her life in northeastern Ohio, Ruth retained the Boston accent acquired in her youth.
She married the love of her life, William Christensen (who preceded her in death on August 5, 2004), on September 13, 1947. Together, they raised five children who survived her: William (Diane) (Mary Ann; deceased), Gary (Liea), Robert (Lynn), Myra (Steve), and John (Lisa). Ruth was immensely proud of her children and loved them more than anything. She loved telling stories about their childhood and upbringing, and always had a smile on her face when her children were around.
Ruth was the beloved matriarch of her family and is deeply missed. She had 12 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren, whom she treasured. She was a talented quilter and seamstress, an incredible cook and baker, Pittsburgh Steelers fan, and an avid reader.
James A. Kent
James A. Kent age 85, passed away on September 8, 2023. Loving Husband to Nancy Ann Kent. (deceased). Devoted father of James Jr, Derek, Jeff, David, Jennifer and Donna. Grandfather of 15 and great-grandfather of 18. Cherished son of the late Father Arlin and Mary. Beloved brother of Sally and the following deceased: Mildred, Juanita, Jean, Faye, and Arlene. Loving uncle and friend to many. Loved by nieces and nephews. James enjoyed watching the Cleveland Indians, and loved horse racing. All Services will be private.
Jason Mark Duncan
Jason Mark Duncan age 44, passed away on September 8, 2023. Loving son of Donna Duncan Furlan, Douglas Keith Duncan(deceased), Stepfather Timothy Furlan (deceased). Cherished Uncle Mark Mahnic, and Aunt Debbie Drury (Mark). Cousin Adam Drury (Robin Jordan), Alicia Drury Lowndes (Jeff). Longtime companion to four legged “Chase.” Jason was a Local Union 373 Carpenter, and was a local sports fanatic for the Cleveland sports teams.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday September 16, 2023 1:00-5:00PM at Mentor Beach Park Pavillion 7779 Lakeshore Boulevard, Mentor-on-the-Lake, OH 44060.
Donations may be made to Donna at the Celebration of Life, or please call Blessing Cremation Center for assistance with donations. 440-352-8100
David Lee Kelley
David Lee Kelley (aka Papa Woody), age 58, passed away September 5th, 2023, at his home in Mentor. He was born January 5th, 1965, in Cleveland, Ohio to Robert P. Kelley and Dorothy G. Kelley Walczak.
David was a 1983 graduate of Mentor High School. He was an avid fisherman and hunter and also a talented athlete is all sports. He loved the Cleveland Indians and Browns along with being with friends (Especially Jason Dawes).
David is survived by his siblings, Brenda Lee Kelley, Bob (Denice) Kelley, Rose (Steve) Siedel, along with many nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert P. Kelley and Dorothy G. Kelley Walczak. Along with his brother, Michael J. Ramian and sister, Lenda M. Cordell.
Graveside memorial will be held on November 4th, 2023 at 10:30 am at Mentor Cemetery (Lot 21).
Nicholas David Humez
Nick Humez and wife, Leslie Edwards.
Nicholas David Humez, 75, of Painesville, Ohio, died peacefully in his sleep on September 5, 2023.
Nick was both very imaginative and very outgoing, with a continually expanding circle of friends to whom he remained forever loyal.
You might have become friends in one of the places in which he lived—Arlington, Lexington, and Cambridge MA.; Paoli, PA; Portland, ME, Montclair, NJ; Painesville, OH—or in one or another of the creative spheres in which he played an active and accomplished role up to his final days:
Musician: composer of instrumental music from symphonies to solo pieces for a variety of instruments, chamber operas and art songs; singer with a fine tenor voice, both as soloist and choir member, the latter in Lexington’s First Parish Church, Boston’s Old North Church, and the a cappella groups Cantores Sine Nomine and Vox Humana). He was a member of the Cleveland Composer’s Guild, past president of Maine’s Composer’s Forum and supporter/contributor of Friends of Music at Guilford, Vermont. Nick’s CD, Myth Songs, features him in his multiple roles as composer, singer, and lyricist. His Rag Time compositions are currently being recorded.
Silversmith/sculptor: creator of original but deliberately accessibly priced jewelry—earrings, necklaces, bracelets, brooches, rings—and of fanciful, meticulously executed sterling silver sculptures, as varied as the tesseract he created as a teething toy for his niece, the Victorian lamp post accompanied by a working penny-farthing bicycle with attachable miniature lock and chain, and his elaborate series of calaveras. He has been the Executive Director of Directions, a Maine craft guild.
Writer: book author (both solo and in collaboration with others); periodical columnist (Portland Press Herald, Verbatim, the language Quarterly; co-publisher of Pork Belly Review which elevated young writers: music critic for the first, author of a column entitled “Classical Blather” for the latter); he was editor of Matters Magazine; long term contributor to Cafe Blue (where he met and charmed his wife); writer of Letters to the Editor and letters to a multitude of friends and acquaintances; lyricist and master of light verse, all delivered in a blend of erudition and dry wit. Reviewing one of Nick’s books in The Baltimore Sun, Daniel Berger wrote: “Reading a Humez sentence is like taking off in a jet plane. The thing rumbles along slowly, slants up swiftly and swerves in unanticipated directions, soaring into the blue without a hint as to where it might come down. This is dangerous stuff.”
Cartoonist, sketcher in pen and ink, book indexer, proof reader, editor, mentor, teacher, friend: Nick was all of these too, always with characteristic generosity and quirky good humor (yes, even as an indexer).
Nick is survived by his wife Leslie Edwards, step-son Matthew and daughter-in-law Marina, his brother Alex and sister-in-law Jean, and their daughter Andrea and son-in-law Jan.
Donations in his name may be made to Hospice of the Western Reserve, David Simpson Hospice House, 300 East 185th Street, Cleveland OH 44119
Vincent "Bud" Clemence
Vincent "Bud" Clemence age 79, of Eastlake, passed away peacefully at his residence on September 3, 2023. Loving son of the late Frank and Annette Clemence. Beloved husband of Barbara Martin. Devoted father of Cindy Frost (Angie), Mike and Jen Clemence, Annette and Pat Quigley, Sheila Martin, and the late Mitchell. Grandfather of Shanna, Cassie, Jordan, Justin, Melia, and Quentin. Loving uncle of many nieces and nephews. Brother of Patti Iosue, Maureen Clemence, Kathy Magruder, Bill and Rosie Clemence, Dave and Dana Clemence, Frank Clemence, and Bob and Toni Clemence, and the late Diane Malaney. He attended Euclid High School, and was the co-owner of C&E Industries. Bud proudly served in the U.S Air Force. A Private Burial will be held at Western Reserve Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
Adam Warren Juday
Adam Warren Juday, age 42, passed away recently at his home in Euclid, Ohio. He was a 1999 graduate of Kirtland High School and standout athlete in football and basketball. Adam was also known for his artistic caricatures. Adam is survived by his children: Andrew Juday, South Euclid and Brianna Juday, Kirtland; sisters: Emily Juday, Pataskala, Ohio and Amy Talukder, Arroyo Grande, California; parents: Craig and Deidra Juday, Kirtland and grandmother Mary Lou Wood, Mishawaka, Indiana.
The family will be celebrating Adam’s life by participating in a NAMI walk at Edgewater Park, Cleveland, Ohio on September 23, 2023. Friends and supporters are welcome to participate in the walk or by donating directly to NAMI, on behalf of “Team Adam J.” See www.namiwalks.org for additional details.
Interment of ashes will occur at a future family memorial.
Robert Victor "Bob" Mason
Robert Victor “Bob” Mason, Age 79
Born August 3, 1943 in Hazelton, Pennsylvania, Bob passed away peacefully at Tripoint Medical Center on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2022 in Painesville, Ohio. He was the son of the late Robert Paul and Marion Marguerite (Vidmar) Mason.
Bob attended Riverside High School and was an Airman First Class in the United States Air Force until 1964. After leaving the Air Force, Bob became an avid “stock” car driver, motorcycle and classic car enthusiast, and enjoyed flea markets. In addition, Bob was a very well-known and skilled auto mechanic, who owned Mason Auto Service in Painesville for more than 40 years. Bob was admired and respected by so many and his passing leaves a huge hole in our hearts.
Survived by his daughter, Cheryl Ann (Jeffrey) Haak, his son, John Robert Molyneux, grandsons Seth, David, Jeffrey and Elijah, great grandchildren David James, Kaylee, Amelia and Nora, sisters Beatrice L. “Betty” (John) Ishmael, and Freda R. Mason, brothers Arthur F. Mason and Frederick W. (Nancy ) Mason, several nieces and nephews and his beloved companion, his Shih Tzu, Charlene.
Bob was preceded in death by his Father Robert, Mother Marion, and a sister, Mary L. Capretta.
Pursuant to Bob's wishes, cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life memorial service will be held in the Spring of 2023 when everyone who loved Bob will be able to attend. Please check back at Blessingcremation.com/obituaries for additional details on the Celebration of Life as they become available. Arrangements entrusted to Blessing Cremation Center, 9340 Pinecone Dr., Mentor, Ohio.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to either The American Heart Association or the American Lung Association.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 23, 2023 at Fellowship Hall 8125 Mentor Avenue from 4-7 p.m. a lite meal and beverages will be served.
Family and friends will be asked to share a story or a fond memory of Bob.