LAURA MARY PLONA (nee Adams) was a loving wife, mother of 6, grandmother to 8, great grandmother to 13, sister of Donald (deceased), aunt and friend to many. She passed away on July 22, 2022 at the age of 88 after a full and loving life.

Laura was born to Reynolds and Irene Adams (nee Miller) in Mather, PA, a small coal mining town, on August 5, 1933. She was born at home. She did not have an official birth certificate but instead had a hand written note from the physician that delivered her. Her parents separated when she was young. Much of her early life was filled with hardships and challenges. Her mother, brother and her moved many times and lived in simple housing under less than ideal conditions. For a period of time she lived with her grandparents in the town of Jefferson, PA a short walk from the town of her birth.

At a young age she began to work in order to help her mother and brother. She learned at an early age to take care of herself in order for her mother to be able to work and provide for her family. The frequency of changing residences and cities did not allow her to develop friendships.
Although she could have been angry and bitter about her life situations and all the things she did not have or would enjoy she instead developed a life of gratitude, a generous heart, a joyful spirit and a fierce independence. She would also developed a deep faith.

Her family eventually ended up in Cleveland where she would attend St. Peters elementary school and high school. She continued to work to help support her family and pay for her education.

She initially intended to become a missionary nun and explored joining an order in New Jersey. This was not to be her calling as God had another plan in mind. She was pursued by Raymond Plona who she initially had no interest in dating. His persistence at gaining her attention and affection eventually resulted in their courtship.

They subsequently married in September of 1953. Their early life was lived in the former St. Josephat parish on E. 33rd street in Cleveland. They would eventually move to Middleburg Heights and lived in two locations there. They attended St. Bartholomew parish. They enjoyed a long marriage. Laura was loved by Raymond. He would show this in a number of ways including always have the newest car, building a ranch house when her legs would not allow her to climb stairs too much, taking her gambling and many other signs of his affection. Gambling brought her joy and Raymond during the weeks leading up to his death arranged a trip to a casino so that he could "see her happy one more time." They spent vacations doing things with their children. The first time they went somewhere alone was for their 25th wedding anniversary. Their trip to Hawaii would set in motion a love of traveling. They would travel domestically and internationally. Often their visits would include pilgrimages to religious sites.

Laura did not pursue a formal education after graduating from high school but would instead remain a homemaker and caregiver of 6 children (Karen (Robert), Raymond (Patricia), R. Matthew (Mimi), Robert (Thomas), Richard and Randy) She continued to develop her talents though and was known for her cake decorating, candy making and many crafts. She especially enjoyed cooking.
Her and Raymond stressed the importance of faith and education to their children. They sacrificed much and worked hard so that their children could attend private schools and college. Their generosity and value of faith and education continues to live on through their children and each new generation.

Although she did not have many friends when she was young she developed a spirit of hospitality, celebration and joy. If there was music and a dance floor, and sometimes no dance floor, she would be seen dancing as if no one was watching. Her hospitality to others was extended through her love of cooking and baking. When she showed up for a gathering she prepared and brought enough food to feed an army. In her later years even when she was no longer able to cook she would swap recipes with her family. She had the ability to strike up a conversation with anyone, anytime and anywhere. She would find through conversation their similarities and connectedness. She particularly enjoyed spending time with her neighbors and community at the Apartments of St. Richards. She enjoyed many friendships in her later years. Spending time with her friend Wanda shopping or gambling brought her joy. Even during her final weeks she would welcome visitors, make sure her great-grandchildren got treats and provided lasting memories through her humor.

Laura was a caregiver to her children as they grew up. She supported them in many ways including nursing them back to health when they were sick. She volunteered in a number of ways over the years. Her spirit of caring remained throughout her life. She became a second mom to her niece Kathy Rogers. She provided care to her mother-in-law Lottie who lived with her and Ray after they were married. She also cared for her own mother who came to live with her and Ray when she was no longer able to live alone. She extended her caregiving to her friends as their health declined often visiting them in hospitals, nursing homes and while they recovered at home. When her husband had become ill with cancer she was not only a wife but a faithful caregiver throughout several years of treatment, remission and the cancer's relapse. Her husband spoke about the care she gave him by repeatedly saying she had "holy hands."

Laura was a woman of faith with a strong devotion to Mary. Each day she would pray for all her children. If she knew they were going through a tough time she would say additional prayers for them. She shared many times that she loved all of her children, no matter what. She attended mass frequently and when she was no longer able to attend in person continued to through television and the eucharistic ministers from church. As her health declined she relied on her faith to sustain her.

Laura had a generous heart and was known to donate to a number of causes. She shared whatever she had with others. She was known to buy items and then find someone she felt needed them more. Even in her final days she was quite happy to know who would be given her furniture and other possessions.

Her faith, generous heart, fierce independence, spirit of welcoming, hospitality and caregiving to others, love of cooking, and humor were gifts that continue to live on through her children and the generations that have followed. From what little she was given she would multiply many times over through her life's journey.

All are invited to meet for her Funeral Mass Wednesday, July 27,  The Church of St. Clarence (30106 Lorain Rd. North Olmsted, OH. 44070) at 10 A.M. and where family and friends may call Wednesday 9:00 A.M. until time of Mass.  Interment Holy Cross Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Hospice of the Western Reserve, P.O. Box 72101, Cleveland, OH  44192.