JOSEPHINE CLARA PAJAK

Josephine Clara Pajak, 94, passed away peacefully of natural causes at her home at the Village of St. Edward in Wadsworth, Ohio, on Sunday, 26 January 2025, accompanied by the love of family and friends, near and far. The third of six children born to Walter and Sophie Kuczek (nee Łakusz), Josephine was born on 5 April 1930 in Cleveland, Ohio. She is preceded in death by her parents and siblings, sisters Cecilia (Sobczk) and Genevieve (Czarnecki) and brothers Stanley, Theodore, and John. 

Josephine grew up in an urban neighborhood on the West Side of Cleveland, attended Catholic and public schools there, and met her future husband, Walter Pajak, at a dance sponsored by a Polish-American social/cultural club in the city. Josephine and Walter were married on 20 October 1951 and lived in Cleveland for a few years before they moved to Strongsville where they built a home in what was then “country,” raised four children, and lived happily until Walter’s passing on 19 April 2000. Following her husband’s death, Josephine resided in North Royalton and Medina, before moving to Wadsworth in 2024. 

Prior to becoming a devoted homemaker, Josephine worked as an office clerk. Later, she worked in commercial custodial services and spent many years caring for young children. She was a favorite babysitter for several preschoolers who regularly surprised their parents with creative art projects they made with Josephine’s guidance.

Josephine leaves a legacy of love and togetherness for her children, Mary Lamp (Richard); Mark (Nancy); Patricia Goldman (Jeffrey); and Bernadine Clark (Kenneth) who miss her profoundly and feel her presence every day. Josephine felt blessed by five grandchildren – Emily (Christopher), Noah (Ashley), Luke, Amelia, and Patrick -- who remember stories “Baba” told them, songs she sang, and desserts she baked; and four great-granddaughters, Elizabeth, Margot, Ellie, and Mila who will continue to learn of their great-grandmother’s commitment to family and traditions. Josephine leaves behind an extensive network of nieces and nephews and dear friends from various communities -- church, neighborhood, book groups – who knew her winning smile and with whom she enjoyed engaging and sharing.

Josephine was a devout Roman Catholic whose religious faith was her anchor. She knew countless prayers, saints’ “feast days,” and church songs from memory. She found peace and calm while attending Mass and/or saying the rosary. She took pride in her Polish heritage, loved polka music, and was an expert baker. Josephine had a flair for creating fresh looks in her home by often rearranging the furniture to the delight of her family. In her leisure time (discovered mostly after her children were grown!), she loved to tend her flowers in the garden, watch birds in the backyard, read mysteries and spy thrillers, color and do word searches, crochet afghans, and watch films. Her movie tastes were eclectic ~ James Bond, historical sagas, musicals, and Hallmark. 

Josephine’s family and friends will join in a Celebration of Life Mass to be held this spring in the chapel at the Village of St. Edward in Wadsworth. 

Those wishing to honor Josephine and the life she lived may donate to the Village of St. Edward in Wadsworth or to a charity or organization that has meaning for you. Similarly, you may honor Josephine simply by making time to listen to and be with someone you love.