Aug 23, 2011 2 min read

Joan M. ‘Joann’ Babilya, 74, of Yukon died Friday, August 19, 2011 at her home after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Joann peacefully passed surrounded by her family.

She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. Her days were always lived with compassion and love for family. Her kindness and generosity were felt by many, strangers and friends, whom she helped, cared for and welcomed into her life. She will be greatly missed by all.

She was born January 5, 1937 in Lemont Furnace, a daughter of the late George Bodnar, Sr. and Catherine Concheck Bodnar.

Along with her husband, Joseph, she was the co-owner of the Central Hotel in Yukon. She was a member of the Seven Dolors Catholic Church, Yukon.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Florence Colaiuta.

Surviving are her husband of 53 years, Joseph Babilya; a daughter, Janet Cook and her husband, Sam of Wyano; three sons: Joseph O. Babilya of Yukon, Gary Babilya of Yukon and David Babilya and his wife, Rebecca of Saxonburg; a sister, Cathy Cross and her husband, Richard of Huston, Texas; three brothers: George Bobnar, Jr. and his companion, Charlotte, Bob Bodnar and his companion, Ruth Ann both of Uniontown and Larry Bobnar and his wife, Concetta of Greensburg; four grandchildren: Joseph, Wesley, George and Anna; two stepgrandchildren:Chaning and Russell; and her pet granddog, Slick.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. today, August 23, 2011 in the BEATTY- RICH FUNERAL HOME INC., Route 136, Madison, Pa., a Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday, August 24, 2011 in the Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Yukon with Father Kenneth Zaccagnini as celebrant.

Interment will follow in the Seven Dolors Church Cemetery, Yukon, Pa.

A special thanks to Cedars Hospice of Monroeville, especially to Lindsay and Charlie.