Tonya M. DiFranco (nee Traylor), age 48, passed away peacefully June 6, 2026, after a long, hard-fought battle with cancer. Tonya was born May 2, 1978 in Euclid, OH.

Tonya lived her life to the fullest. She was a very good athlete who loved volleyball, softball and basketball. Tonya attended Richmond Heights City Schools and later went on to attend Bowling Green State University, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in special education. Later on, she went on to receive her intervention specialist license to teach autistic children and adults.

Tonya had such a big heart for everyone and would sacrifice everything to help anyone she could, that was the kind of person she was. The compassion and patience she showed for people was beyond extraordinary.

Tonya was the beloved wife of Johnny DiFranco; loving mother of Gianna, Alexa and Bella DiFranco; devoted nonna of Giovanni Robinson; beloved daughter of Annette (nee Vulinec) Traylor and of the late Ronnie Traylor; beloved step-daughter of Joseph Boyko, who was in Tonya’s life since she was two years old; dear sister of Sonny Traylor and Alethea (Chad) Hurst; beloved granddaughter of the late Albert and Georgia Vulinec and of the late Oakley and Jane Traylor; dear aunt of Rose and Steve Lamento, Frankie Jane and Myles and Aedan Hurst; dear niece of Dale and Carol Vulinec and of many other aunt and uncles; beloved daughter-in-law of Domenick and Pasqualina DiFranco; dear sister-in-law of Maryann (Anthony) Melaragno; dear zia of Ava and Anna Hoffman; a dear cousin and friend to many.

The family will receive friends at THE ORLANDO-DONSANTE-PREVITE FUNERAL HOME 29550 EUCLID AVE., WICKLIFFE, ON SUNDAY JUNE 14TH FROM 2:00 TO 7:00 P.M., WHERE A FUNERAL SERVICE WILL BE HELD AT 11:00 A.M. ON MONDAY, JUNE 15TH. Burial will be in All Souls Cemetery in Chardon Twp. following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tonya’s memory to St. Jude Childrem’s Research Hospital 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

A special thanks to Tonya’s mom and dad for taking care of her while she fought the good fight, as well as the Cleveland Clinic for their wonderful care.

To leave condolences for the family, please visit www.orlandodonsanteprevitefh.com.