OBITUARY

Florica Podway

July 10, 1957 – January 8, 2021
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Florica Podway

Florica Podway

On Friday, January 8th, loving wife, mother and grandmother, Florica (Iova) Podway, passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of 63. Born outside of Oradea, Romania, she immigrated to the United States at the tender age of 14. A few years later, she met the love of her life, David, when she bought her first car in Lakewood, Ohio at Podway Motors. They built a beautiful life together in Westlake, raising their two children, David and Jessica. A cherished and doting mother, Florica's children considered her their best friend. Florica earned her bachelor's and master's degrees from Cleveland State University, leading to a fulfilling, 35-and-a-half-year-career as a Spanish teacher at Westlake High School. This tenure served as a testament to her commitment to and belief in the importance of education. She adored her students and colleagues and was well-loved in return. Passionate, fearless, strong, funny and known for her caring heart and empathetic spirit, Florica was always quick to remind you that the most important consideration is not what you do for someone but how you make them feel.

A people person, Florica wore many hats in the relationships in her life: mom, wife, sister, daughter, aunt (tusi), great-aunt, godmother, best friend, teacher, mentor and neighbor. While all of these roles were very meaningful to her, none brought her as much joy as the role of grandmother. Known as "Mama", Florica often described her feelings toward her three granddaughters, as a "burning love" but insisted that even these words were inadequate. Over the last five joyous years, her list of titles grew to include playmate, personal shopper, babysitter and, again, best friend. Florica was preceded in death by her parents, Mike and Etelca, and her sister, Victoria. She is survived by her husband of 41 years, David, son David, daughter Jessica (Jonathan), granddaughters Isabella- Florica, Juliana-Marie and Victoria-Louise, brother Florian (Florica), sister Anica and many dear nieces and nephews. Visitation Tuesday 5 - 8 pm at Holick Craciun Funeral Home 23040 Center Ridge Rd. Westlake Oh. Saracusta Service 7pm Tuesday. All Funeral Services Wednesday at 10am at St. Helena Romanian Byzantine Catholic Church 1367 West 65th Str. Cleveland. Interment St. Joseph Cemetery. Online Condolences at www.holickcraciunfuneralhome.com

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Services

PREVIOUS SERVICES:

  • Visitation 5 - 8pm Tuesday

    Tuesday, January 12, 2021

  • Funeral Mass (Please Meet at Church) at St. Helena Romanian Byzantine Catholic Church

    Wednesday, January 13, 2021

OTHER SERVICES:

  • Interment St. Joseph Cemetery

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Florica Podway

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Jamie Haddow

January 26, 2021

Florica was full of warmth and generosity. I will miss seeing her at all the grandkid functions. She leaves a beautiful legacy in her family and will be greatly missed. Lots of love to all of you. ❤️

Nate Manella

January 15, 2021

Señora was a lovely woman. One of the best teachers I had at WHS. She made an impact that will last far beyond her retirement. God bless ber

Andrew Clark

January 13, 2021

I will always remember how welcoming Mrs. Podway was for me and our friends in her home. Always a smile on her face, always happy and bubbly. Such a great lady.

Greta McKinney

January 13, 2021

My heart breaks for you and your family, David. We will be praying that the Lord surrounds you with His loving Presence, Power, Provision and Perfect Peace. I remember when you and Florica came to Adrie's visitation. It meant so much to us. I am so sad we couldn't be there for you physically, but be assured you will be in our prayers in the days and months to come. Florica truly was such a bright light and had such a loving heart.

Ronald Podway

January 12, 2021

So sorry for your loss,I know florica will be missed dearly by anyone that she has crossed paths with. The times I did get to see the two of you together I knew you had something special. My deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family. . God Bless

Romulus & Florica Jurca

January 12, 2021

We are very sorry for your loss. We knew Florica for many years and she was a wonderful and kind person.

With deepest sympathy,
Romulus & Florica Jurca

Christine Cooper

January 12, 2021

Christine Cooper

January 12, 2021

Christine Cooper

January 12, 2021

Christine Cooper

January 12, 2021

FROM THE FAMILY
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FROM THE FAMILY
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FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY