Wilma Irene (Stecz) Deleone

Wilma Irene DeLeone (Stecz), 94, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 18, 2023 at Kent Ridge Senior Living.  She was born in Barberton, OH to the late Michael Stecz and Suzhanne (Runyak) Stecz in 1929.  She graduated from Barberton High School in 1947 and lived there until 1953, before marrying husband, James.  Afterwards they moved their family to Kent where she remained a resident and a member of Saint Patrick Church for over 65 years.  She worked for Ohio Bell, Central School, Kent Upholstery and Beckwith Apple Orchard.  In her free time, she volunteered at St. Pat’s, was an avid gardener and daily walker.  Wilma enjoyed being active and cherished cooking, baking, cards, games and spending time with friends and family.  She never missed a chance to watch any of her children participate playing baseball, softball, football, volleyball, cheer or track. Wilma loved providing Holiday feasts and countless tins of Christmas cookies for family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James in 1986, son Tony (Lisa) in 2021 and siblings, Sophie Stecz Bittner (Donald), John Stecz (Sue), Margaret Stecz Yakimick (Joe), Helene Stecz Studenic (Bill), Marye Stecz McKosky (Jack)-Baranchik (Andy), Katherine Stecz Hefflefinger (Si), and George Stecz (Josphine).

She is survived by her sons Joseph (Barb), James (Kathleen), Michael (Carm) all of Kent; daughter Susan Kubani (Ray) of Davison, Michigan; grandchildren, Tony DeLeone, Jean Ward (Dwayne), Joanna Cammel (Tyler), Victor DeLeone, Kent Kubani, Drew Kubani, Nick, Ben and Lizzie DeLeone and great grandchildren Makenna Ward, Camden Ward, Denning Cammel and Oliver Cammel.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, July 14, 2023 at 11:00AM at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 313 N. Depeyster St. Kent, OH 44240, with the Rev. Fr. David Bridling as Celebrant.  Inurnment will follow at Standing Rock Cemetery.  Visitation will be prior to Mass from 10:00-11:00AM on Friday at the church.

Services in the care of Bissler and Sons Funeral Home and Crematory.