Anne V. Jerina

Anne Jerina (Varga) was born February 10, 1924 to Helen Varga in Cleveland, Ohio. Anne was the younger sister of Helen Varga Levstek, with whom she had a close relationship until Helen passed in March of 2016. Anne was raised by her mother, who was a native to Hungary, in a Hungarian neighborhood on Buckeye Road. When Anne was in High School, her mother met John Prim, who became a father figure for Helen and Anne.

After Anne graduated from John Adam’s High School at age 17, she went to Business School at Fenn College (now Cleveland State) for secretarial studies. During this time, she went to visit her sister who was serving in the military and stationed in Washington, D.C. While on a soldier train, a military police officer named Jacob gave up his seat for Anne and talked with her the entire duration of her ride. Jacob asked Anne if he could write to her, and, shortly after the war ended in 1945, Jacob Matthew Jerina II and Anne were married. Anne was a loving and devoted wife and mother and is survived by her three sons, Norbert, Jim, and Larry, and 7 grandchildren, Jacob (deceased), Adam, Amy, Chelsea, David, Sarah and Caitlin.

Her commitment to her faith and the Catholic Church was a pillar in her life. She dedicated much of her time to serving at church functions, and she attended mass nearly every week.

When her youngest son was in high school, Anne began working as the Secretary to the Mayor of Orange Village, where she remained for 20 years. The last 10 years of her career, she worked as the Secretary to the Mayor of Pepper Pike and the secretary to the City Council, where she retired from at age 65. Her spirit of dedication, which was a theme in her life, led her to work part-time as a secretary for Orange Village for an additional 10 years after retirement. Throughout her career, one of Anne’s biggest accomplishments was her role as the President of the Northeast Cleveland’s Secretary Association.

Anne also enjoyed 20 years of participating in the North Solon Women’s Club, which brought her and Jacob many close friendships. Anne enjoyed camping and being outdoors, even if just for a picnic. She was passionate about their land. The house Jacob built sat on 2 acres of property that was carefully tended to by Anne. She pushed a lawn mower the entire length of the property, trimmed and pruned bushes, and nursed flower gardens. She would bake her famous apple and cherry squares from the apple and cherry trees in their yard. The same care and attentiveness went into everything she did. She spent hours in the evenings after school helping her children with their homework, coaching their intellect, and fostering independence.

Anne was widowed in 1994 after Jacob passed away from multiple health complications. In the years that followed, Anne would always speak lovingly of him, reminiscent of her husband’s life and all he did for her and the family.

Although widowed after retirement, Anne loved to travel, and she enjoyed cruises with her cousin to Alaska and the Caribbean Islands. She took bus tours with her friends, loved to play cards, and was a member in the Red Hat Society. She was involved in the Solon Senior Center, where she won many events in the Senior Olympics. She also took line dancing classes and volunteered at nursing homes.

Anne was beloved by her family and close friends. She was generous and warm to all who knew her. She was a selfless, poised, driven, and compassionate woman. Anne loved her family and always took pictures at every gathering, as the relationships with her family were the most important thing to her.

Anne Jerina passed away Thursday July 27 at Hillcrest Hospital with her family by her side. Family will receive friends at the Steinbauer Funeral Home 33375 Bainbridge Road Solon from 2-4pm and 6-8pm on Wednesday. A mass will be held Thursday 10am at Church of the Resurrection 32001 Cannon Road Solon, and internment at Mt. Hope Cemetery immediately following.