Cecilia “Cila” Ritossa

Cecilia was born May 17, 1938 in Lanisce, Istra, Croatia. Cila, lived 33 years in Willoughby Hills, previously residing in Cleveland. Mrs. Ritossa died Feb. 24 at her home surrounded by her family. She was a member of St. Noel Catholic Church and previously St. Vitus. She worked as a seamstress and enjoyed gardening, cooking and anything involving being with her family especially her grandkids. Cila particularly enjoyed having her entire family to her home every Sunday after church for lunch. Her family describes her as very passionate about her family, always finding time for all, and very fun-loving.

Cila is survived by her husband Umberto; children Mario (Tami), Maria (Jeff) Woods, Majda (John) Kucmanic, Robert (Denise) and Patrick (Bridget); grandchildren Marissa, Joey, Dominic and Sophia Woods, Matthew, David, Deanna, Julia and Gina Kucmanic, Michael, Eric, Anthony, Angela, Ryan, Nicky, James and Lucas Ritossa; siblings Ana Bajic, Ive Buzdon and Milka Sironic as well as many nieces and nephews and great nieces and great-nephews. Cila was preceded in death by siblings Maria Sverko, Mate and Rafael Buzdon.

The family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Cila on Sunday from 2:00 to 5:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the DeJohn-Flynn-Mylott Funeral Home of Willoughby Hills, 28890 Chardon Rd. (between Bishop Rd. and Rt. 91). The funeral Mass for Cecilia (Buzdon) “Cila” Ritossa, 72, of Willoughby Hills, will be held on Monday, Feb. 28, 2011 at 10:00 AM, at St. Noel Catholic Church, 35200 Chardon Road, Willoughby Hills. Burial to follow the Mass at All Souls Cemetery.