EMILY COLONNA

Emily was born in Poland in 1935 and lived there during the occupation by the Germans and the Russians.  Her father was one of 20,000 elite who was massacred by the Russians and buried in a common grave in the Forest of Katyn.  She moved to the United States at the age of 14 and was reunited with her mother.  In 1952 Emily and Frank were married in Cleveland, Ohio and enjoyed 71 years together.

She was a devoted Christian and dedicated her life to her family.  Emily also enjoyed bowling, traveling, cooking, baking and cruising.  She was an avid reader and especially enjoyed biographies.

Emily is survived by her husband of 71 years, Frank J. Colonna; Sons, Chris (Ingrid), Mark (Susan) and daughter, Desiree (Joe Krupa) Colonna; Grandchildren, Kyle (Hillary) Colonna, Allison Colonna, Krista (Earl) Sanders, Brandon Colonna, Emily Scales, and Ashlee Scales; Great Grandchildren, Genevieve, Ashton and Aylah; Siblings, Lori (Tony, deceased) Noga, sister-in-law, Maryann and (Lee, deceased) Toth, sister-in-law Jane (Nick, deceased) Colonna, brother-in-law Adam Katala and Shirley (deceased).  She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Franciszaka Lopatniuk and Eleanor (nee Superson) her stepfather, Walt Walters; her brother, Arthur Walters; and her step-brother and his wife Walt Walters (Delores)

A Memorial Mass will be held on Monday, July 1, 2024 at St. Mary Catholic Church, 250 Kraft Street, Berea at 10:00 a.m.  Inurnment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.  Local arrangements were entrusted to A. Ripepi and Sons Funeral Home, 18149 Bagley Road, Middleburg Heights, Ohio 44130.