Barbara J. Zapotosky (Wozny)

Barbara J. Zapotosky (Wozny) succumbed to respiratory complications on May 20, 2022, at the age of 84.

Born in Hopwood, Pennsylvania, Barb graduated valedictorian of North Union High School class of 1955.  She was also a cheerleader, a role she later continued as matriarch of a large family.  Barb married her high school sweetheart, Melvin, and together they enjoyed 66 years of growing a loving family.  She was the beloved mother of six who adored her ten grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

Barb lived much of her life in Elyria, OH.  She worked as an administrative assistant for Lorain County Community and Oberlin Colleges and served as an elected member of the Keystone Local School District Board of Education.  She volunteered as co-manager of the gift shop at Mercy Health-Allen Hospital in Oberlin.  Barb was an active member of Sacred Heart Church in Elyria and Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in South Amherst, before moving to North Royalton and joining St. Albert the Great Parish.

She was an excellent cook, whose skill developed from raising a large family in times when carryout foods were minimal.  She always hosted holiday family gatherings where her stuffed cabbage rolls were a popular staple.

Barb was a talented seamstress and skilled Pinochle player.  She enjoyed building complicated puzzles, reading, and bowling.  She cheered for Cleveland sports teams and the Ohio State Buckeyes from a recliner with her beloved cat, Heidi, resting on her lap.

Despite painful chronic arthritis, Barb lived a full life and took great pride in her family.  She was a supportive presence for her children and grandchildren in their activities and accomplishments.  She taught by example the importance of family and hard work.  She will be greatly missed.

Barb was preceded in death by her infant daughter Susan, parents, Margaret & Steven Wozny, brother Larry, niece Nancy and twin grandsons Peter & Andrew.  She is survived by her husband Melvin, and children David (Cynthia), Dianne Hadaway (Shawn), Robert (Cray), Cynthia Janosko (Stephan), and Joseph (Lori); grandchildren Ava (Violet), Stephanie (Caleb), Matthew (Cathy), Joseph (Lindsey), Amanda (Shawn), Megan (Thomas), Julianne (Oscar), Michael, Amadea, and Gianna; great grandchildren Natalie, Penelope, Rocco, Amelia and Macie; sister-in-law Roberta Wozny, niece Mary Woznysmith and nephews Michael & Steven Wozny.

A memorial Mass and Celebration-of-Life gathering are being planned for a later date.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Cleveland Animal Protective League, 1729 Willey Avenue, Cleveland, OH  44113 or www.clevelandapl.org.