Mary “Mitzi” Napoli

MARY “MITZI” NAPOLI (nee Arko) age 82, loving mother of Ann Nerone (husband Tom), Charles (wife Jean), Mary Ferneding (husband Dan), Robert (wife Cathy) and the late Martin and Marcella Napoli; devoted grandmother of Nick Nerone, Theresa Urban (husband Mike), Ellen and Abby Napoli, Marie Ferneding, Jack, Tommy, Bridget, Danny and Jimmy Napoli, cherished daughter of the late Joseph and Ljudmila (nee Premrl) Arko; dearest sister of the late Joe and Emily Arko; beloved sister in law of Carl and Helen Napoli, dear aunt, great-aunt and friend of many.

Mitzi was born on March 9, 1936 and passed away on November 27, 2018. A resident of Willoughby Hills and a member of Church of the Gesu, she grew up in the old Cleveland Slovenian neighborhood, which she considered her “happy place.” Mitzi has been friends for 78 years with her first grade classmates from St. Vitus school, and they have supported each other throughout life. She graduated high school from Notre Dame Academy, and earned a bachelor’s degree from Notre Dame College in South Euclid. Mitzi worked as a teacher and homemaker, and then retired as a bookkeeper. An avid reader with a very sharp mind, Mitzi also loved puzzles, old movies, and Fox News. She dedicated her life to her family. Mitzi was described as open-minded and selfless, and befriended almost everyone she met. She will be greatly missed.

Contributions may be made in memory of Mitzi to Hospice of the Western Reserve P.O. Box 72101, Cleveland, OH 44192 and Saint Martin de Porres High School 6202 St. Clair Ave, Cleveland, OH 44103 (https://www.saintmartincleveland.org/donate).

Cremation by DeJohn Crematory. Relatives and friends are requested to meet for the Mass of Christian Burial Monday, December 3, 2018 at 10 AM at St. Vitus Catholic Church 6019 Lausche Ave, Cleveland, OH 44103. Private burial at All Souls Cemetery at a later date. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Mitzi at THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS, 28890 CHARDON ROAD (between Bishop Rd. and Rt. 91) SUNDAY 2-6 PM. Prayer and Tribute Service at 5pm.