Obituary of Mary Streza

Mary Streza, 97, fell asleep in the Lord on Friday, May 9, 2014 at the Visiting Nurse Service Hospice Care Center in Copley, Ohio. Mary was born in Vistea de Jos, Romania and came to the United States in June of 1936. She was a member of "The Presentation of Our Lord" Orthodox Church in Fairlawn, Ohio. She was a former member of St. George Romanian Orthodox Church in Canton, Ohio where she sang in the choir and was also a member of the Ladies Auxiliary. Mrs. Streza was preceded in death by her husband, John in 2007; 3 brothers; and 2 sisters. She is survived by her children, John Dan (Carol) Streza, Pauline (Davey) Witmer and Mary Lynn (Fr. Ian) Pac-Urar; grandchildren, Renee Streza, Wendy (Greg) Gaspard, Alexandra (Constantin) Ursache and Michael Pacurar; great-grandchildren, Donovan and Ileana; sister, Natalia Sandru; and many nieces, nephews and God children. Mary believed it was her destiny to be a wife and mother in America, and lived out that belief daily. In fact she was known as "Grandma Mary" to many children from her neighborhood and parish family. Putting others' needs before her own, a wonderful cook and baker, she routinely shared meals and pastries with neighbors, friends and family. Her greatest joy was having her family around her. Mary was a deeply faithful Orthodox Christian. Her two guiding lights were prayer and what she called "common sense." May God give her rest and may she continue to pray for us as she did during her life. Funeral service will be held Monday, May 12, 2014 at 11 a.m. at Presentation of Our Lord Orthodox Church, 3365 Ridgewood Rd. Fairlawn, Ohio 44333 where Mary will lie in state one hour prior to service. Fr. Ian G. Pac-Urar officiating. Interment at Forest Hill Cemetery in Canton, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to "The Presentation of Our Lord" Orthodox Church. (Anthony, Akron, 330-724-1281, www.anthonyfh.com