Kara Michele Ponzo, a loving mother, daughter, sister, and friend, ended her courageous battle with metastatic breast cancer on February 2, 2026.

Kara was a graduate of John Carroll University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in English literature. She later returned to school to pursue nursing, a profession that became her true calling.  After several years as a dialysis nurse, she joined University Hospitals Cleveland, where she provided education and care coordination for liver transplant and cancer patients.

Kara was recognized by peers, administration, and patients as a compassionate caregiver and dedicated patient advocate. In 2021, she was one of just 46 nurses across University Hospitals Cleveland to receive the Annual Nursing Excellence Award, an honor recognizing outstanding clinical expertise and patient care.

But Kara’s shining achievement was as a mother to her son, Declan Clark, and her daughter, Ellie Clark. She was tireless in her efforts to spend quality time with her children—concerts, movie and pizza nights, video and board games, camping, and traveling. Kara’s devotion and love as a mom was evident to all who knew her.

Kara is reunited with her beloved mother, Sandra Ponzo; her maternal grandparents, Gloria Anton and Mario Loser; and her paternal grandparents, Julia and Dominic Ponzo.

She is survived by her father, Michael Ponzo, Sr.; her brothers, Tony Centracchio and his wife, Pippa Centracchio, Dino Centracchio, and Michael Ponzo, Jr. and his wife, Bridget Ponzo; along with many nieces and nephews who will miss her greatly.

Throughout her life, Kara was known for her generosity, humor, adventurous spirit, and unwavering commitment to equality and social justice. She embraced life fully and never hesitated to pursue new opportunities,explore new interests, or begin new adventures. Her ability to make people feel seen and cherished led her to develop many beautiful and deep friendships that spanned decades. She loved art, music, reading, and anything vintage, and was uniquely her own person. Kara bravely fought cancer for nearly 15 years, but she never lost her hope, sense of adventure, or zeal for life’s everyday gifts.

A memorial mass will be held June 20, 2026, 10:00 am, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church located at 12021 Mayfield Rd, Cleveland, OH 44106.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites contributions to:

The Declan Clark Trust
C/O Shannon Schuetz
142 35th St. NW.
Canton, OH 44709