Josepha H. Strauss

JOSEPHA STRAUSS (nee Zeleznik) age 96, beloved wife of the late Richard J.; loving mother of Frank, Louise, Mary Jo Swintek (husband Timothy), Joanne Celestina (husband Mark), and Evelyn; devoted grandmother of Jackie (Marty) Kearns, Eddie Strauss, Jessica (Charles) Caputo, Matthew Swintek, Michelle (Trevor) Patton, Richard (Meg) Celestina, Joanna (Brandon) Pritchard, and Jonathan, Mark, and Sarah Celestina and great-grandmother of McKenna and Emma Kearns, and Landry and Maisie Strauss; cherished daughter of the late Andrew and Alojzia (nee Penca) Zeleznik; dearest sister of the late Lillian Zeleznik, Jean Turk (husband Elmer deceased), and Mary Zeleznik; dear aunt and great-aunt of many. She will be missed by her beloved dog Chai.

Born on October 5, 1928, to Andrew and Alojzia Zeleznik in Cleveland, Ohio, Josepha attended St. Vitus Elementary School and completed her education at Jane Addams High School. Following their courtship, Josepha and Richard married, setting up a loving home in which they raised five children. Later years blessed them with ten grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren, whom they adored. Josepha worked for Julie Zalar’s Catering and for Norwood Drugstore as a cashier. She was an excellent baker and avid Cleveland Indians fan. Josepha was known for her social ease, sense of humor, and ability to get you to sing.

Josepha was also devoted to her faith and Slovenian heritage. A long-time parishioner of St. Vitus Catholic Church, she was an active member of their Mothers Club, Altar Society, Holy Name Society, and Alumni Society. She was also a member of AMLA and St. Clair Pensioners.

Josepha passed away on July 8, 2025. While she has left this earth, her devoted family will remember her loving touch, unwavering support, and motherly guidance. Those memories will guide them through this time of grief.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Josepha to either St. Vitus Endowment Trust, 6019 Lausche Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44103, or by clicking HERE, or to the Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011, or by clicking HERE.

Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Josepha at THE ZEVNIK-COSIC FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS, 28890 CHARDON ROAD (between Bishop Rd. and Rt. 91) Friday, July 11, 2025, from 4-8PM.

Mass of Christian Burial Saturday, July 12, 2025, at St. Vitus Catholic Church, 6019 Lausche Avenue, Cleveland, OH at 10AM.

Interment following at All Souls Cemetery.