Frances Kozma

At the age of 94, Frances M. Kozma (nee Zvosecz) peacefully and willingly returned to The Lord on Monday, November 4th, 2013. Her independence, simple living, and feisty attitude are credited to her longevity. Fran was born in Lorain on Jan. 7, 1919 to the late John and Katie (nee Horvath) Zvosecz. She resided in Lorain her entire life. She vividly recalled the Great Lorain Tornado of 1924. When the deadliest tornado in Ohio hit on the 28th of June, she was recovering in St. Joseph Hospital after being struck by an automobile. Fran attended Lorain City Schools, and graduated from Lorain High School in 1937 Class A. After graduation, she went on to work at Lorain Works/US Steel Company as an inspector in Quality Control. In 1961, she retired after 21 years on the job. Frances was proud of her Croation descent and was a member of SNJP. She valued education/knowledge, and admired those who showed integrity. She was self-sufficient, prudent, and expected no assistance from anyone. She appreciated an attentive audience as she regularly told stories of her life, stated quotes, and shared her opinions. Fran told others, "The first 100 years of life are easy, and then it's time to die!" Fran loved the outdoors, gardening, word search puzzles, and sudoku books. She was skilled at sewing, and enjoyed tailoring and crafts. Her television viewing was infrequent, but she was sure to watch baseball games and the Saturday night Powerball. She preferred the familiarity of her own home to travel, watching wildlife to movies, and reading about health issues to novels. She was a unique woman of small stature, yet she possessed a large personality. On August 19th, 1945, Fran and Steve Kozma wed in St. Vitus Croation Catholic Church amongst family and friends. She remained a parishioner at that parish until its closing in 2009. Fran and Steve enjoyed a wonderful union for 58 years and were only parted through his demise in 2003. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family; preceding her in death were her parents, John and Katie Zvosecz and her siblings, Joseph Zvosecz, Anna Zvosecz, and Mary Opsincs. Frances is survived by sister-in-laws, nephews, nieces, and their families. A graveside service will be conducted Monday, November 11th at 2:00 P.M. at Ridge Hill Memorial Park, Amherst. Reverend Fr. Daniel O.Divis will officiate. Dombrowski-Riddle Funeral Home & Cremation Center 1939 Oberlin Ave., Lorain is assisting the family with arrangements. Memorial contributions in Fran's memory may be made to a charity of the donor's choice. Online condolences may be made at www.dombrowskifuneralhome.com