LuEva Kaleel 1926-2025

Eve was born Jan. 10, 1926, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the daughter of Nafe and Mae Ruffin Hoodhood.

Eve’s lifelong passion for music began early, when she joined her church choir at the age of 11. She went on to perform light opera in her hometown of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and later in Youngstown, appearing in several operas and many musicals. Her love of choral music led her to serve on the board and eventually as president of the Youngstown Symphony Chorus.

Eve was a devoted Orthodox Christian, where faith was the cornerstone of her life. Together with her beloved husband, Tom, she helped found St. Mark Orthodox Church, where she was an active choir member, choir director and dedicated participant in the Ladies Altar Society throughout her life.

Eve was a generous and giving person who helped anyone in need. Everyone who came to her home was always greeted with a warm smile and a plate of food.

Beyond her devotion to church and music, Eve will be remembered most for the love she poured into her family. She cherished every moment with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A gifted cook, she brought family together around her table, where her recipes — and especially her famously delicious grape leaves and hummus — will be treasured for generations.

Eve’s husband, Thomas Kaleel, whom she married Oct. 2, 1955, passed away May 6, 2021. Besides her parents and husband, Eve was preceded in death by her sisters, Betty Cassis and Marion Kaleel; and brother, Kenneth Hood.

She is survived by her loving children, Janice (Rick) Paxson, Ronald (Megan) Kaleel, Nancy (Mitchell) Barrock and Terry Kaleel; her brothers, George Hoodhood and Chuck Hood; her grandchildren, Cara (Erik) Zuika, Courtney Paxson, Danielle (Austin) Barrock, Thomas Barrock, Kaitlin (John) Hudock, Ryan (Bailey) Kaleel, Ashley (Ryan) Mcilhinney, Alexis (Danny) Herzog, Thomas (Arianne) Kaleel, Kendall Kaleel, Mila Kaleel and Penelope Kaleel; and her great-grandchildren, Eva, Owen and Carter Zuika, Kylie and Logan Herzog, and Gabriel and Henry Hudock.

Eve’s faith, music and unconditional love will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

A celebration of life will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 19, 2025, at St. Mark Orthodox Church, 3560 Logan Way, Youngstown. Friends and family are invited to gather from 10 to 11 a.m. for visitation.

A luncheon will follow, where stories, laughter and memories will be shared in her honor.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to St. Mark Orthodox Church in Eve’s memory.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the professional care of the Rossi Brothers and Lellio Funeral Home, 4442 South Ave., Boardman. Family and friends are encouraged to offer prayers for the family by visiting the Book of Memories at www.rossifunerals.com.

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