08/01/2006

Notification of Death - Justine Girod

July 27, 2006

OFDA received word this afternoon that Justine Girod, 92, died Thursday, July 27, 2006. She was the mother of Sutton J. (Sutty) Girod, past OFDA Regional Director, past President of the Cuyahoga Funeral Directors Association (CFDA) and current Emeritus Board Member of the CFDA. Sutty's wife, Tina, is the Secretary Treasurer of the CFDA. Her father, Joseph Zele Sr., founded Zele Funeral Homes, Inc. in 1907. Mrs. Girod was the last surviving member of her generation of the Zele family.

Mrs. Girod was Secretary of the funeral home from 1932-1953 and Secretary-Treasurer from 1953-1985. She was also a beautician since 1931 and remained licensed until 1990. She styled hair for thousands of deceased; her specialty was using a Marcel hot iron, which is now a lost art.

Calling hours will be held Thursday, August 3 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM and Friday, August 4 from 2:00 8:00 PM at Zele Funeral Home, 452 East 152nd Street in Cleveland. Funeral Services will be Saturday, August 5 with a 9:15 AM service at the funeral home and a 10:00 AM service at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 15519 Holmes Avenue, Cleveland.

Interment in Mentor Cemetery, Mentor, Ohio.