Josephine Merhar

JOSEPHINE M. MERHAR (nee Rupar) age 93, beloved wife of the late Joseph J.; loving mother of Cheryl Owen (husband William), Joseph (wife Kathleen), Mark (wife Pamela), and Claudia Farkas (husband Stephen); devoted grandmother of Amanda LaPorte (Jason), Michelle Ratliff (Danny), Brandis Deitelbaum (Jon), Brian Bednar, Jennifer Hedges (Ryan), Justin Merhar (Jessica), Megan Bendula (Joshua), Stephen Farkas and great-grandmother of 8; cherished daughter of the late Frank and Marian (nee Zalar) Rupar; dearest sister of the late Helen Mrozinski (husband Chester, deceased); dear aunt of Lance Mrozinski.

Josephine Merhar was born on July 13, 1922. She was the daughter of Frank Rupar and Marian Zalar Rupar who immigrated to the United States from Slovenia as teenagers. Josie was a student at East High School in Cleveland, OH. After graduation, Josie went to work for Richman Brothers as a tailor for 5 years until her marriage to Joseph Merhar. After beginning their married life in in the St. Vitus neighborhood of Cleveland, Josie and Joe moved their family to Richmond Heights. Josie and Joe dedicated their lives to their family. They wanted their children to experience “The American Dream” and enjoy a life with limitless potential. Their children and grandchildren are a legacy to the dream. Cheryl, Joseph, Mark and Claudia are all successful and dedicated to continuing this legacy. Josie and her husband, Joe, loved to sing. Even before their marriage, they sang in various glee clubs. Josie was a member of the Richman Brother Trio which was featured on the radio. She loved Slovenian Polkas and waltzes and, of course, music from the 40’s. Music and singing were ever-present in their home.

After 43 years in Richmond Heights, Josie moved to Willoughby Hills to live with her daughter, Claudia, son-in-law, Steve and grandson, Stephen. She was not only “the best Mom in the world”, but continued to be an inspiration and role model to her children throughout their lives. Her children witnessed her unconditional love for family. She was the sole caregiver to her parents as they aged. She was the caregiver for her husband and her sister, Helen, as they faced health battles. Josie was courageous and fearless! She was diagnosed with cancer and elected to battle this disease in an unconventional manner. After much research, she rejected the AMA and elected to follow the guidance of “The Gerson Clinic”. She completely changed her diet and successfully cured herself of cancer. Josie was a beautiful, gentle, selfless woman who devoted herself to her family and many other who needed her help. Josie loved all wildlife! She especially loved her Shetland Sheep dogs: Misty and Cody.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Josephine’s memory to Hospice of the Western Reserve 17876 St Clair Ave, Cleveland, OH 44110.

Mass of Christian Burial Tuesday, April 19, 2016 at St. Mary Catholic Church 15519 Holmes Ave, Cleveland, OH 44110 at 11 AM. Burial following at All Souls Cemetery. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Josephine at THE CHURCH TUESDAY MONRING 10-11 AM. ARRANGEMENTS BY DEJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOMES of WILLOUGHBY HILLS.