Melva J. (Zinaich) Svec

Melva J. (Ziniach) Svec, 80, passed away on Monday Aug. 13, 2018 in Richmond, OH, formerly of Toronto, OH.

Mel was born Nov. 21, 1937 in Weirton, WV. She graduated from Weir High School in 1956 and married Jacob ‘Jake’ Svec on Nov. 3, 1956. They shared 55 years together before his passing on Dec. 4, 2001.

Mel was an active member of St. Francis Roman Catholic Church in Toronto, OH. There she helped with the Catholic Women’s Club in the kitchen making breads and perogies and participating in weekly card games.

Mel was a social and active person. She was involved for 45 years in the Unpredictable Ladies Bowling League where she served as president for 42 years. Mel was also the president of the Steubenville Women Bowling Assoc. for 25 years. She also participated 34 years in Ohio State bowling tournaments and 15 years in National Bowling Tournaments. While with the league, Mel participated in Special Olympics helping children discover the joy of bowling.

Mel enjoyed going to movies and plays with friends and had a smile that could light up a room.

Mel was preceded in death by her parents, one brother and four infant children.

She is survived by four children, Janet, Michael, Gary, Derek and one grandson, Brandon; her sister, Georgia Thompson; her brothers, Sam Zinaich and Milton Zinaich.

Family and friends will be received Thursday Aug. 16, 2018 from 4 - 8 pm at the J. E. Foster Funeral Home in Toronto. Additional visitation will take place at St. Francis Church from 9:45 am til time of the Funeral Liturgy with Mass at 10:30 am. Father Thomas Vennitti will celebrate the Mass and entombment will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Steubenville.

Vigil Service will be held on Thursday at 7:45 pm. Condolences may be offered to her family on our website www.jefosterfh.com.