Elaine Joan Woff (nee Zurilla)'s Obituary
Elaine was born in Cresson, PA on May 25,1935, to the late Andrew and Anne Zurilla. It was her parents who gave her a strong foundation for what a loving family should be. She fancied herself a coal miner's daughter, as her Dad's early employment was in the coal mines near Cresson, and her family grew up poor. It was dangerous work, but it was a way for Andy to support his family. In search of better job prospects and a better life, her Dad & Mom moved their family to Cleveland, OH when Elaine was 16. She was the oldest of four children, which include Edward (Florene), Barbara "Babs" (late Richard) and Ronald "Bro" (Linda). Elaine finished her education at West Technical High School, where she participated in drama productions and was affectionately known to her friends by her nickname "EZ." She graduated from West Tech in 1953 in the top quarter of her class. She had dreams and aspirations of perhaps being an actress or an author, but those dreams never come to fruition. After graduation, she held a series of small jobs, as her father did not believe, at the time, in women going to college to pursue higher education.
It was at her job at Fodor Realty that she met her future husband, John Woff. She and John married in January of 1960. In November they welcomed their first daughter Susan Marie. In May of 1962, there was the addition of their son Michael Andrew a week before Elaine's birthday. The family moved to Parma, OH in 1965, where they welcomed their last child, their daughter Charlene. Their marriage was both good and bad at times, but sadly ended in divorce in 1978. Elaine had started working nights at the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland while her kids were growing up. Newly divorced, she worked hard to establish herself in a day job at “the Fed,” determined to succeed at a time when divorcees were looked down upon. She became one of the top adjustors there, often given the most difficult assignments when banks were out of balance, and she was known for her incredible work ethic. She made many friends at “the Fed” along the way and she was known for her kindness, her willingness to help others, and her sweet spirit that made working with her a joy. This was no more evident than at her retirement party where her co-workers celebrated her. She eventually reconciled with her former husband, John, years later, and they were together up until his death in December of 1990.
She retired from "the Fed" in 1992 and moved to her beloved community of Strongsville, OH. Here she bought her very own house on a beautiful, wooded lot on a cul-de-sac that she loved and enjoyed until her last day. It was a simple home, but it was hers and it was filled with love. Many birthdays and special occasions were celebrated here. It was at her home that she began a yearly tradition of Thanksgiving dinners to carry on the tradition of her parents, getting together with her siblings and their families. It was a tradition that lasted for years and resulted in quite the Sequence matches and buffets! She also began her true calling in helping care for her twin grandchildren Colton and Heather. The twins were the joy of her life! She regretted not having more involvement in the lives of her older grandsons Travis and Keith, so she was determined not to let another opportunity to be involved slip by. So began her attendance at years of band concerts, school events, watching the marching band at Highland football games, and family vacations to the Carolinas. As a grandmother, she got to do things with them she could never do with her own children, and she often remarked "those were the best days of my life.” She supported them in their life's endeavors, enjoyed their visits to her home and sharing time together at the holidays, and she always sent them home with a bag full of groceries. Meanwhile, her passion for reading led her to a part time job with the Medina County Library which she continued until the drive out to Hinckley became too much for her.
Her later years were much more reserved and spent a little closer to home. She spent her mornings walking with her very best friend Florene at the Strongsville Rec Center, where the two of them became fixtures with the early morning crowd. She also became active in charitable causes which were important to her, along with attending mass at St. Joseph's Church in Strongsville. Her travel was limited in later years to visiting her son Mike in Massachusetts, along with a trip in 2019 to visit her daughter Charlene in Colorado. She remained an avid reader up until her last days.
Sadly, she suffered a stroke in August and despite making a valiant effort to recover, was taken from us much too soon on October 25, 2020.
Our Mom & Grandma was one special lady. What we, her family, will remember most about her is her faith, her smile, her big heart, her loving kindness, her generosity, her resilience, and her sense of humor. That, and she could not resist picking up an empty glass! She disliked calling hours for funerals ("all people do is talk about how bad you look"!) so in accordance with her wishes, there will not be any visitation. She wanted to be remembered as full of life and for how she lived. So, our family will instead request the honor of your presence for a funeral mass and burial around her birthday in May of 2021 in hopes of allowing those who loved & knew her to grieve her properly. Our family is extremely grateful for all the wonderful aides at Home Instead and the staff at Hospice of the Western Reserve, who allowed our beloved Mom & Grandma to come back home for her final days which were spent resting at home among her family.
Mass of Christian Burial, Saturday May 8, 2021 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 12700 Pearl Rd., Strongsville at 10AM. In lieu of any calling hours, her family will receive family and friends AT THE CHURCH Saturday morning 9AM until the time of Mass. Burial to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. The family would appreciate contributions in Elaine’s memory to either the Hospice of the Western Reserve or St. Joseph’s Church.
What’s your fondest memory of Elaine?
What’s a lesson you learned from Elaine?
Share a story where Elaine's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Elaine you’ll never forget.
How did Elaine make you smile?
