Leona F. Mezga, age 104, (nee Gotlibowski), beloved wife of the late Joseph C.; loving mother of Duane (Betty, deceased) and Lance (deceased) (Ernestine); cherished grandmother of Sarah Palmer (Greg), Leah Combs (Andrew) and Marin Mezga; great grandmother of Parker and Carter Combs; dear sister of many (all deceased).
Friends received at GOLUBSKI FUNERAL HOME, corner of E. 65 & Fullerton Ave., Cleveland, OH 44105 on Sunday, February 4, 2024, from 1-4 P.M.
Interment Tuesday, February 6, 2024, at Calvary Cemetery, 10000 Miles Ave., Cleveland, OH 44105 at 11 A.M. Please meet at the cemetery office parking lot.
Leona was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on April 3, 1919, to Frank and Bertha Gotlibowski. Her parents came to the United States in 1901 from the town of Ciechanow which was then located in the Russian part of Poland.
Leona, christened Leokadia Florentyna Gotlibowski, was the youngest of nine children, all of whom preceded her in death. She graduated from Cleveland South High School in 1937, married Joseph Carlton Mezga of Cleveland in 1943 and worked part time as a seamstress for various firms in Cleveland until retiring at age 62.
Leona always loved to dance, especially the polka, the electric glide and anything Lawrence Welk. Until old age reduced her vitality, but given any excuse, she’d either start jiggling in her wheelchair or singing some Polish song that she learned in her childhood.
She loved spending time with her two sons and their families, either in Michigan with Duane and wife Betty or in Tennessee with Lance and wife Ernestine. At her own home, yard work gave her countless hours of satisfaction, including the cultivation of backyard tomato plants. Eating fresh tomatoes and munching on chocolate were always her joy.
Never remarrying after the passing of her husband, Joseph, in 1974, she remained an independent sort until her age required her to move into an assisted living facility at age 99.
