Jane Helen Derifaj's Obituary
Jane Helen Derifaj, a beloved wife, devoted mother, amazing grandmother, great-grandmother and cherished resident of the Amherst Manor Assisted Living family, passed away at the age of 88, after a brief illness on Thursday, July 27, 2023. Born in Lorain, Ohio, to Michael and Sophie Dolacki (nee Moldovan), Jane spent the first half of her life in Sheffield, Ohio. She attended St. Mary High School in Lorain, Ohio and graduated with the Class of 1953. After graduation, Jane married the love of her life Steve “Tuffy” Derifaj and they shared 60 wonderful years together. They were known to be always twirling on the dance floor — stealing the show. They had a true love affair that never ended even in death — her parting words were, “I’m ready to meet Jesus and your Dad.”
Jane’s faith played an essential role in her life; she was a 40-year member of St. Theresa of Avila Church in Sheffield where she played piano and sang at church. She actively participated in St. Theresa’s Ladies Auxiliary with her mother and sister. When she moved to Brownhelm, she became a member of St. Joseph Church in Amherst for over 45 years. Her commitment to her faith and spirituality was reflected in her caring and nurturing nature. Just recently, she coordinated a bible study at Amherst Manor Assisted Living.
One of Jane’s greatest passions was gardening. She took great pride in her ever-producing vegetables and always-beautiful flowers in every garden she planted. She was always making a fresh salad or giving fresh vegetables to everyone. Jane could shop till she dropped in the best way as shopping was a great way for her to unwind. Give her a shopping cart and she could shop for hours and delighted in a good deal.
Jane was a stay at home mom until her youngest of six was in school and then worked at Brownhelm School as a lunch lady. However, her most beloved career was working at May Co., which eventually became Macy’s. She loved helping her customers find the right outfit or deal. She won several awards and was recognized as a Diamond level employee.
Above all else, Jane was known for her kind heart and generosity. She selflessly offered her time and support to those in need and always put her family first. Her love for her family was immense, and her presence in their lives will be forever cherished and deeply missed. She loved cooking and passing down family traditions with her daughters and granddaughters. Holidays were the best because of her! Jane also passed down her love of travel and history to her children and grandchildren. Jane and Tuffy loved to travel and made sure their kids saw as much of the country as possible, visiting every fort found in the AAA book and TripTik! Jane and Tuffy continued to travel until Tuffy passed, always loving every adventure, U.S. Navy get-togethers and each other's company.
As we say goodbye to Jane, we take comfort in knowing that she is now at peace and her beautiful spirit will forever watch over us. Jane is survived by her six children; Steven (Mary) Derifaj, of Wellington; Mark (Carlota) Derifaj of Amherst; Juliann Petrucci of Aurora; Allison Derifaj of Lorain; Jason (Caroline) Derifaj of Carey, NC; and Jack Derifaj of Columbus. Jane was a cherished grandmother and great-grandmother with seven granddaughters: Jackie Petrucci, Stephanie (Robert) Brunskole, Natalie Derifaj, Sasha Ford, Erica Derifaj, Sarah Derifaj, Audrey Derifaj and five great-grandchildren: Evelyn Derifaj, Addilyn Ford, Jayce Ford, Gianna Ford, and Brooks Brunskole. She will be deeply missed by her sister, Sandra Workman (nee Dolacki); brother-in-law, Jim Workman; sister-in-law, Donna Dineff; sister-in-law, Mary Jane Dolacki; and many nieces, nephews and cousins that loved and adored her.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Steve “Tuffy” Derifaj; grandson, Will Derifaj; brother, Robert Dolacki; sister-in-law, Rose Perichak; brother-in-law, John “Butch” Derifay; and sister-in-law, Barbara Derifay.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, August 26th from 8:30 am until the time of her Funeral Mass at 9:30 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 200 St. Joseph Drive , Amherst. Rev. Fr. Timothy J. O’Connor, Pastor, will officiate. Inurnment will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Lorain. Arrangements are entrusted to The Dovin and Reber Jones Funeral & Cremation Center, Amherst.
Jane would have loved that attendees wear bright and colorful attire as we celebrate her life. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Lorain.
The family invites friends and relatives to a luncheon reception immediately following at Lorain American Croatian Club, 4836 Oberlin Avenue, Lorain, Ohio.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jane’s memory can be made to the family, who will establish a memorial garden in Jane’s name.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.dovinreberjones.com.
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