Ludmila “Lida” Darr, 87, of Fremont, OH passed away on Thursday, January 14, 2021 at ProMedica Toledo Hospital. She was born on January 19, 1933 in the Czech Republic to Ladislav and Marie (Kmonickova) Donat. She was a 1951 High School graduate from the Czech Republic and then emigrated to the United States in 1969. While in her home country she worked in the Supraphone Record Store where her knowledge of five different languages helped her to communicate with the many tourists who visited the store.
Lida married Howard Gonya in 1969 and he preceded her in 1973. She then married John Darr on October 24, 1975 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Fremont and he preceded her in death in 1994. She and John owned and operated the Dairy Queen West.
Lida was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. She enjoyed exercising regularly and loved to travel. She and her friend Alice Plihall enjoyed visiting nursing homes and demonstrating Czech dances and culture. Lida is most known for her endless energy, always on the go, visiting friends, tending to her flowers and landscaping keeping it in meticulous condition.
Lida is survived by her stepson, Bruce (Martha) Darr, Clyde, OH; grandchildren, Gregory (Dr. Bridget) Darr, Dr. Emily (David) Staples and Allen (Dodie) Keifer; great grandchild, Victoria Staples; sister-in-law, Helena Donatova; niece, Eva, both of Prague; nephew, George of Chicago and great niece, Dagmar Popkova of the Czeck Republic.
She was preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Howard Gonya, husband, John Darr; stepdaughter, Patricia Darr and one brother, George Donat.
Visitation will be Monday from 8:30 am to 9:30 am at Wonderly Horvath Hanes Funeral Home, 425 E. State St, Fremont, OH.
Mass of Christian Burial, Monday, January 25, 2021, 10:00 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 709 Croghan St, Fremont, OH 43420.
The use of face masks is required while indoors at all services. Social distancing will be observed throughout all services with wait times taking place outdoors. If you would prefer, you may express your condolences below or call the funeral home at 419-332-6409 to request that your name be signed in the guest book.
Burial: St. Joseph Cemetery, Fremont, OH
Memorials can me made in her honor to St. Joseph Church.
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Arlene Lenhart
Aunt Lida always had a beautiful smile and generous heart…and such a hard worker too. I enjoyed talking with her years back about her life in Czech Republic — she had interesting stories! My sympathy and prayers to her family and friends.
Deb Smith
Lida was a faithful friend who never missed a birthday or holiday to send off a greeting card. Even when faced with difficult situations, she always maintained a positive outlook. Always!
She will be missed!
Love her and have missed our opportunities to meet up for lunch during the pandemic.
Rest in peace my friend.
Relatives from Prague, Czech Republic
Our aunt Lída was able to fulfill her big dream of living in the United States. She loved to travel and always radiated energy and zest for life. Lída was surrounded by fantastic family and friends with whom she spend wonderful times, especially the Darr family had always been on her side.
Lída will always remain in our hearts.
Linda Pickett
Dear Bruce and Martha,
We are sure you will miss this awesome lady!
We will be praying for the repose of her soul and for all of you left to mourn her passing.
Sending prayer hugs,
Mark and Linda Pickett