Fredricka J. (Mongenel) Horvath

Remembering a Life of Love

Fredricka J. (Mongenel) Horvath, 77, of Painesville, passed away peacefully on November 10, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. Born on August 29, 1948, to Fred and Angelina (Cash) Mongenel, Fredricka was a bright light from the beginning — full of love, ingenuity, and a heart for others.

On October 5, 1968, she married her one and only love, Thomas L. Horvath. Together, they built a beautiful life and family that became her greatest joy. They welcomed three children: Stephen Horvath, Kristina Horvath, and Barbara (Todd) Skytta. Fredricka’s heart grew even fuller when she became a grandmother to Sam (Cameron) Delp, Caymin Skytta, Vincent West, and Darbie Skytta, and later a great-grandmother to Peyton and Avery Delp, who brought her endless delight.

Before starting her family, Fredricka worked as a hairdresser — a talent she carried with her throughout her life. Once her first child was born, she devoted herself fully to motherhood, embracing every moment. She celebrated her children with imaginative birthday parties and lovingly decorated cakes. She adored sunny days at the beach with her kids (and anyone else she could pack into one of her husband’s Cadillacs) watching the sunset — a simple joy she passed down to her grandchildren.

Fredricka had a gift for making life fun — from crafts and candy making to trying new recipes. She loved games and was especially fond of card nights, often filled with laughter, friendly competition, and her playful “poor sport” side when she didn’t win. She also loved going to the movies, sometimes staying long enough to watch two or three in a row. And whether you stopped by for a quick visit or a long chat, she always made sure there was something delicious to eat — if nothing else, her famous salad.

Her kitchen was the heart of countless memories — famous cabbage rolls, cookie jars never empty, big salads round the clock, and legendary neighborhood taco parties (always after a spirited kickball game). Her warm hospitality and open door made everyone feel like family, and her home was the place where friends and nieces and nephews always wanted to gather, drawn by her warmth, her laughter, and her and Tom’s laid-back, welcoming spirit.

While her children were young, Fredricka poured her time and heart into volunteering at church and school, sharing her love and faith with others and helping to lay a foundation of God’s love for those around her. Later, when her children were grown, she returned to work outside the home and took great pride in every job she held. She was also a proud and active member of AMVETS Post 40, where she built lasting friendships and enjoyed being part of a community that meant so much to her.

Fredricka treasured her family deeply — including her siblings Eugene (Diane) Mongenel, Fred Jr. (Susan) Mongenel, Rose (Gary) Niccole, Tony (Tami) Mongenel, Steven Mongenel, and Jean Self; and her many nieces and nephews who brought her great joy.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Tom, her parents, brothers Steve and Tony, sister Jean, sister-in-law Diane, and brothers-in-law Ron and Bob Horvath. We take comfort knowing she is reunited with them again.

Fredricka will be remembered for her generous spirit, her love of cooking, her imagination, and the joy she poured into every relationship. Her legacy lives on in the lives she shaped — especially those of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who will forever cherish her love.

Her family will forever hold her in their hearts and celebrate the beautiful life she lived.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, November 16th, from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. at AMVETS Post 40, 9141 Jordan Dr, Mentor Headlands, OH 44060, with a service and eulogy reading at 3:00 p.m.

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