MARTINA STEPEC (nee Gazvoda) age 85, beloved wife of the late Anton; loving mother of Thomas (wife Maria), Edward (wife Mary) and Sonja Mejac (husband Edward); devoted grandmother of Theresa, Kristina Jackson (husband James), Michelle Bates, Edward Mejac (wife Brittni), Katelyn Heffernan (husband Matthew), Joseph, Lyndsay Dentel (husband Rory), Kathryn, John and great-grandmother of Devon, Kiernan, Kaedence, Connor, Robert, Declan, Luka, James III, Evelyn, Siena, Lilian and Valentina; cherished daughter of the late Joseph and Frances (nee Franko) Gazvoda; dearest sister of Mark Gazvoda (wife Susan) and the late Frances Gazvoda; dear aunt and great-aunt of many.
Martina was born on July 15, 1934 in Brusnice, Slovenia and passed away on April 19, 2020. She was a resident of Richmond Heights since 1966. Martina fled her homeland in 1945 and initially spent 1 year in various refugee camps in Austria, then she spent the next 3 years in a refugee camp in Spittal, Austria until 1949 when she then immigrated to the United States. She settled in Gary, Indiana later moving to Cleveland in 1953. She graduated from Lew Wallace High School in Gary, IN and attended Dyke University. Martina worked for over 30+ years as an Office Manager at Kollander World Travel. She was a member of St. Mary Altar Society, KSKJ, Slovenska Pristava Pensioners Club and also serving as their Secretary for 13 years, Koroton Pevski Zbor (former member), Pristava and Slovenia Women’s Union. Martina enjoyed volunteering at St. Felicitas’ office for over 5 years. She loved sewing, gardening, surfing the internet and was an avid reader. She was proud of her Slovenian Heritage and was devoted to her family and faith. Martina will be dearly missed by her family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Martina to St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church 15519 Holmes Ave., Cleveland, OH 44110.
Private Family Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary Catholic Church (Holmes Ave.) with burial following at All Souls Cemetery. Arrangements by THE ZEVNIK-COSIC FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS.
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Shirley Gazvoda
Dear Tom, Ed, and Sonja,
So sorry for the loss of your mom. I know you will miss her.
Sonja
ShirleyShirley, Thank you for your sympathy and kindness during this most difficult time. Tom, Ed and Sonja
Carol Leben
My deepest sympathy to the family her journey is complete. God bless
Sean and Heather Phillips
What an incredible story and wonderful lady. We’ll keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Sonja
We deeply appreciate your expression of sympathy during this difficult time. Thank you, Tom,Ed and Sonja.
Sonja
Thank you Carol for thinking of our family during this most difficult time. Tom, Ed and Sonja
Sonja
Thank you for thinking of our family during this difficult time. Tom,Ed and Sonja
Vida and Jan Thorkelson
Sending our deepest sympathies to your families. Your mother was a beautiful woman inside and out. We know she was greatly loved and will be greatly missed.
Sonja
Thank you for your sympathy and kindness during this difficult time. Tom,Ed and Sonja.
Louie and Sylvia Loncar
Our deepest sympathy to the entire family. She was a wonderful person and will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Louie and Sylvia Loncar
Sonja
We deeply appreciate your expression of sympathy during this difficult time. Thank you. Tom,Ed and Sonja
Jenny Vidmar O’Donnell
Stepec Family,
So sorry to hear about your mom/grandma. I always looked forward to talking to her every week when she came into the salon. She will be missed!
My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Sonja
Thank you Jenny for your words of sympathy, they are greatly appreciated during this difficult time. Mom loved going to get her hair done and seeing you all.
Patricia Kollander
Dear Tommy, Eddie and Sonja–
I was so sorry to hear about the passing of your dear mother. She was an invaluable part of Kollander World Travel- she was so dedicated so incredibly hard working. She was an inspiration to everyone she met! Keeping you and your families in our prayers at this difficult time.
Thomas V. Stepec
Pattie…. thank you for the kind words. Your thoughts and prayers are appreciated. We know that Kollander Travel was a huge part of Mom’s life and one that she truly enjoyed and working with your parents. Those were wonderful years for her. Take care and be safe.