Betty J. Melena (nee Sroczynski) passed peacefully on January 3, 2021 at Mount Alverna in Parma at the age of 94.

Betty was the beloved wife of the late Franklin R. Melena and the cherished mother of Mark (Colleen), Nancy Bennett (Jerry), Michael (Barbara), the late Kent (Cheryl), Scott (Jill), Donna Brickman (Phillip) and Kimberlee Leach (Jason).

She was the adored grandmother of Matthew (Allison), Beth, RJ and Brett Melena; Jessica Bennett (fiancé Alex Wilson); Amy and Joey Melena; Franklin, Heather, Emily and Brad Melena; Leah, Keith, Evan and Luke Brickman; and Reganne, Mackenzie and Kerry Leach.

Betty was preceded in death by her sister, Lenore and her husband, Frank Szeremet and brother-in-law Ralph.  She is survived by brother-in-law Donald and his wife, Adrian; sister-in-law Rose; cousins and many nieces and nephews.

A lifelong Cleveland resident, Betty was the daughter of Cleveland police officer Frank and Helen Sroczynski.  As a toddler, Betty lost her mother and a brother during childbirth.  Her father's extended family, "the aunties", helped raise Betty and her sister, Lenore. Betty graduated from South High and was then employed by the Ohio Bell Telephone Company.  She often shared fond memories of playing catcher for the Ohio Bell softball team.

Betty and Franklin raised their children in Garfield Heights and Seven Hills.  A popular neighbor and treasured friend, Betty's social circle was wide and welcoming.  They hosted frequent parties, enjoyed a Sunday afternoon golf outing and looked forward to weekends away with friends.  A dependable volunteer, Betty was often seen in the hallway of St. Columbkille school.

Although Betty's memory failed her this past decade, she never lost her sense of humor or good nature.  Her quick laughter and affability were always contagious.   We extend our profound gratitude to the staffs of Mount Alverna and Ancora for your kindness and loving care of our mother and grandmother.

The family will plan a memorial service for a later, safer date.  During this pandemic and in light of the many families in need, the family requests donations in honor of Betty to the Cleveland Food Bank, 155500 South Waterloo Road, Cleveland 44110. www.greaterclevelandfoodbank.org