LaVerne Mae Samec

LaVerne Mae (Jirik) Samec was born on March 4, 1933, to Marie (Coufalik) and James Jirik, and spent 93 years building a life defined by family, faithfulness, heritage, humor, and love. LaVerne passed away on September 1, 2026. Her family takes comfort in knowing she is now reunited with her husband, Milan, and loved ones who passed before her.

LaVerne married Milan Samec, the love of her life, on Flag Day, June 14, 1952. Proud of her country, she took immense joy each anniversary in the American flags displayed in celebration. Together, they built a life centered on the family they cherished. Milan passed away in 2013 after more than 61 years of marriage, but their love stayed with LaVerne always.

In the early years of their marriage, LaVerne and Milan worked together at the Jirik family bakery in Cleveland, where she used the business skills she learned at West Tech High School. Later, she focused on caring for her family and home, volunteered with the Women’s Auxiliary at Deaconess Hospital, and was an active member of St. Paul United Church of Christ for many years.

LaVerne was a devoted mother to Diane (Jeffrey) Richey and David (Vivian “Beth”) Samec, a cherished grandmother to Heather (William), Kristen (Justin), Nicole, and Jade, and a proud great-grandmother to Alexander, Audrey, Ashlynn, and Adaline. She was also a loving sister to the late James Jirik and a much-loved aunt to many nieces and nephews, whose calls, visits, and efforts to stay in touch meant more to her than they may have realized. Family, heritage, and joy were woven through LaVerne’s daily life. As she raised her own children, she also cared for her parents and grandparents. Her family’s roots were in the Moravian region of the Czech Republic, and she spoke Czech fluently, sharing that special part of her heritage with Milan. Together, LaVerne and Milan traveled to Europe to visit their family’s homeland, and she carried that same spirit into the traditional polka music she played on the accordion and the tap dancing she loved.

LaVerne spent most of her life in Ohio, a place she proudly called the “best location in the nation.” Later, she and Milan moved to Pensacola, Florida, to escape the Ohio winters and enjoy the white sand beaches and blue water, living near her brother James and his wife June. Eventually, they returned to Ohio to be closer to their daughter Diane and settled in Broadview Heights. In 2019, LaVerne embraced a new adventure and moved with Diane and Jeff to Parrish, Florida, saying, “Everyone else in the family was moving there.” She made great friends at DeSoto Palms and The Summit of Lakewood Ranch, where she often won at bingo, enjoyed playing cornhole, horseshoes, and axe throwing, and was a favorite companion at history classes, spiritual events, and happy hours.

LaVerne will be remembered for her generous heart and true interest in others. She always asked about people’s lives and remembered even the smallest details. She never forgot a birthday or anniversary and sent a handwritten card for every holiday to each family member. Many described her as a sweet lady with a twinkle in her eye. She was deeply loved and will be forever missed, and her family will carry forward the warmth, curiosity, and joy she shared so freely.

Friends may call at the Donald A. Faulhaber Funeral Home, 7915 Broadview Road (at Sprague) on Saturday, September 19 at 9:30 AM until time of service at 11:00 am.

Interment North Royalton Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul United Church of Christ, 7507 York Road, Parma, Ohio 44130.