Obituary of Leona Cerami

Leona C. Cerami, age 98, passed away at St. Ann’s Nursing Home, Rochester, NY with her family at her side on Sunday, August 27, 2023. During the last days of her life, family and friends were at her side around the clock. Leona did not pass alone. She was predeceased by father, Carl Charles Strzondala, mother, Valerie Alice Strzondala (Yanuck), husband, Fred J. Cerami (1987), siblings; Hilda Eleanor McCloskey, Emma Jean Amende, Robert Henrey Strzondala. Survived by nephews, Ronald W. McCloskey, Ernest A. Amende, Bernard G. Amende and nieces, Catherine F. Hewitt and Bernice L. Sullivan, grand nieces, grand nephews and cousins. She was also survived by Mary L. and Elizabeth A. Beagan who were like daughters to her and were always there for her.

Leona worked all her life with a career in waitressing that ended with her retirement from Denny, Inc. in 1987. She continued to work as a housekeeper until she was 91. Although she never made a lot of money, she was able to budget her money very well. She enjoyed traveling and made two trips to Hawaii, a cruise to Alaska and many trips to Las Vegas. She enjoyed making trips to the casino at Niagara Falls to play the penny slots. She was a very lucky player and usually walked away a winner! She enjoyed family and friends. She was able to adapt to new technology and made video calls to friends and family. She was a force to watch at a buffet for there was eating to do. Leona was a prolific knitter and continued to knit up until three weeks before her death. She was a member of the Our Mother of Sorrows Church and the St. Ann’s Nursing Home knitting groups. The blankets, shawls, baby blankets, baby outfits (one went to China), baby hats, hats for newborns at the hospital, angels, hats and scarfs knitted by Leona were enjoyed by all. Leona had a full life and will be missed.

Leona did not want a funeral. Her wish was to have a memorial mass. The memorial mass will be held at St. Ann’s Nursing Home Chapel on 1500 Portland Avenue, Rochester, NY on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at 11:00 am. Leona will be interned at Plum Creek Cemetery, Penn Hills, PA and positioned over her mother’s grave. In lieu of flowers, Leona would like you to consider a donation to Ronald McDonald House, Camp Good Days or St. Ann’s Nursing Home.