Ellamay Zavodnik

Ellamay Zavodnik, known lovingly to family and friends as Ella or Elly, passed away peacefully on September 10, 2026, at her home in Willoughby, Ohio. She was 88 years old.

Born on March 18, 1938, in Cleveland, Ohio, Ella was the daughter of Jane Bender and William McReynolds. Even as a young girl, her brilliance was unmistakable. She was always an A student, top of her class, and that sharp mind stayed with her throughout her life. She became a lifelong reader, a devoted news junkie, and something of a financial expert, following the stock market closely and making smart investments that reflected her keen intelligence.

Ella was married to her beloved Joe for almost sixty years. Together they built a life rich with love, laughter and adventure. They loved trips to Las Vegas and Biloxi, where they would somehow almost always come out ahead at the blackjack table. Each year they hosted Christmas Eve, and Ella would fill the table with an incredible spread, including her famous lasagna and the kolacky cookies she baked every Christmas. She took great pride in her backyard pool resort, where she gardened beautiful flowers and plants that made the space feel like a fragrant oasis. A talented bowler, she spent many years in leagues and tournaments and collected numerous trophies along the way.

More than anything, Ella was kind, caring, thoughtful and generous. She placed the needs of others before her own, listened without judgment, and offered sound, loving advice. She loved her standard poodles and won numerous awards showing them. She had a soft heart for animals and would care for anything in need, from kittens to a stray possum. That same devotion showed in how she cared for her mother, and later her beloved Joe, in her own home. Her daughter Dawn was, in her words, her "greatest joy." Her legacy is her family and the boundless love she gave to them. Her faith was strong and genuine, and she truly practiced what she believed.

Ella is survived by her daughter, Dawn Marie Schossler and her husband Frank; her grandson, Ryan Schossler; and her sister-in-law, Paulette Mack. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph; her parents; and her sister, Marian O'Connor.

A very private viewing was held at Ella's request. A celebration of life dinner for family and close friends will be planned at a later date by Dawn.

In a poem she left behind, Ella offered these words: "I am always with you," and "It's only for a little while that we must part, so bless the memories within your heart...and then, when you must come this way alone, I'll greet you with a smile and welcome home." 

Lake Erie Cremation & Funeral Services, 29801 Lakeland Blvd, Wickliffe, OH 44092, assisted the family with arrangements. (440) 361-2273. www.LakeErieCrematory.com