Stella Knotek

STELLA DIAJEAN KNOTEK (nee Lyzwa), age 88. Born December 22, 1927 to the late Steve and Julia (nee Petlock) Lyzwa in Colebrook, OH. She passed away quietly on August 27, 2015 at University Hospitals of Cleveland. She was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2012, but continued to have an independent spirit even with her physical limitations.

She graduated from Grand Valley High School (formally Orwell High School) in 1946. Stella lived in Cleveland’s West Park Neighborhood for many years and was very active in community events. She moved to Middlefield in 2012 where she was a resident of Briarcliff Assisted Living and Briar Hill Nursing Home.

Stella was formerly a member of the Cleveland City Club, West Park Neighborhood Association and St. Mark Catholic Church. She was most recently a member of St. Lucy’s Parish.

She was a long time employee of Medic Drug at Kamm’s Plaza. Stella also worked at Higbee’s and Cleveland Trust Bank.

Stella was very proud of her military family. She will be remembered for her sense of humor, caring nature and for being fiercely independent. She could fix just about anything in her home.

Stella is survived by her daughter Sharon Knotek, son Dale Knotek (wife Heather), and daughter Stacey Novak (husband John). In addition to her children, she is also survived by her grandchildren (Steven, Caitlin, Patrick, Lauren and Jonathan), her great-grandson Ryan, nieces and nephews. She is pre-deceased by her son Donald Knotek and 7 siblings.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Stella’s memory to Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, The Michael J. Fox Foundation, P.O.Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5014 (wwww.michaeljfox.org).

A private interment will be held at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Orwell, OH. A tribute service in Stella’s memory will be announced at a later date.