Josepha Strauss

Josepha Strauss was born on October 5, 1928 to Alojzija and Andrew Zeleznik in Cleveland, Ohio. She was the third of four daughters. Her parents, both native to Slovenia had come to the United States in 1920 and 1923. Josepha's sisters, Lillian, Jean and Mary were also born in Cleveland. The family rented a home and grew up on Spilker Avenue, just across the street from The Steel Improvement and Forge Co(SIFCO). As a child, Josepha attended St. Vitus School. From there she continued her education at Jane Addams High School. Music was her passion and always played a role in her life. Starting out in the choral group created by Fr. Jager, former pastor of St. Vitus, she moved on to singing with her two older sisters, Lillian and Jean with local bands, such as Ernie Benedict and Frankie Zajec.

Her work experiences included waitressing, office assistant, assembly work, cashier, machine embroiderer, as well as part time caterer at several Slovenian Homes often helping such well-known Slovenian cooks as Mary Otonicar and Julie Zalar.

She dated and eventually married her grade school classmate, Richard Strauss, on June 28,1958. They moved to North Collinwood, where they raised their five children: Frank, Louise, MaryJo, Joanne and Evelyn. Three of their children married. Now she has ten beautiful grandchildren she is very proud of. Her husband passed away in 2004 after a long battle with cancer.

Josepha continues to keep busy through various church organizations, namely St. Vitus Altar and Rosary Society, St. Vitus Holy Name Society, and St. Vitus Alumni as well as the annual St. Vitus Picnic. She also attends St. Clair Pensioner’s functions and assists in the kitchen at their monthly meetings. She is a member of the Friends of the Slovenian National Home, Inc. and her favorite past time is her monthly visit to St. Clair Slovenian Home for the Poor Man's Raffle. She can often be found with a core group of friends singing with the musicians that come there to perform each month.

Josepha has always been proud of her heritage and stressed to her children the importance of church and service to the Slovenian community. By her example, she has taught her children the art of selflessness and service to others, Josepha would like to sincerely thank the St. Clair Slovenian Home Board of Directors for distinguishing her with such an unexpected honor.