MAY K. LEO

MAY K. LEO (nee Araphelen), age 93. 

May was proudly born and raised in one of Cleveland’s oldest Greek communities.  She was a middle child in a family of three girls and had a wonderful, lifelong relationship with both sisters.  When the three got together, English often became their second language.  May was happily married to her husband Jim for 56 years before his passing in 2015.  The two shared many happy times together.  They especially enjoyed their frequent vacations. These included several trips to Greece and Italy as well as frequent trips to beachfront locales.  

May had a wonderful sense of humor and her laughter would light up a room.  She could find something funny in even the most ordinary and mundane events.  She passed this trait to her children; Dan, MaryBeth (husband Jeff), and J (aka Jim); and grandchildren; Tyler and Jordan. The family gatherings were often marked with side splitting laughs.

May was a phenomenal cook and her superpower was making the world’s best Spanakopita, followed by her amazing pita bread.  Her exceptional cooking wasn’t limited to Greek cuisine. May learned to cook some of her husband’s favorite Italian foods.  She made a name for herself with her famous homemade spaghetti sauce and her Italian “Gnocchis” were a family tradition that everybody looked forward to at Christmastime.  

May learned to play the piano as a little girl and carried a song in her heart her entire life.  She would often be heard singing or humming a tune.  May was a gifted artist.  She painted in both acrylic and water color with immense talent.  She was always improving her skills in the subjects of florals, landscapes, and country scenes.  She shared her artistic knowledge with those who gathered to paint by offering tips, encouragement, a kind word, and much laughter. 

In the 1970s and ‘80s, May worked for many companies in the Cleveland area, often through temp agencies.  She was one of the most requested employees and won awards for her work.  She especially enjoyed taking on new challenges. More than anything, May enjoyed time with her family, friends, and relatives.  She never said “no” to a family vacation and even in her late 80s and early 90s she would join family on kayaking adventures, laser tag, and go carting.  She was a hugger and reached out to all those she loved.

May was very spiritual person and frequently prayed the Rosary and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy.  She also enjoyed praying with her sisters by phone every night. She served as a longtime volunteer at God’s Special Friends and Holy Love Ministries.  For May, connecting with God and giving back to the community came naturally.

Most of all, May was Love !  Her life was filled with acts of kindness !  She was an Angel here on earth !  Her beautiful and loving spirit lives on in our hearts !

Passed away peacefully on November 13, 2025. Funeral Mass SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29, The Church of St. Clarence (30106 Lorain Rd. North Olmsted) at 11 A.M. where friends may call at St Clarence Church SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29, ONE HOUR PRIOR TO MASS. Interment St. Joseph Cemetery, Avon.