Trending
WARREN -- Virginia J. Bodner, 99, passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home Wednesday, June 10, 2026.
Born Sept. 6, 1926, in Pittsburgh, Pa., Virginia was the daughter of Walter and Stella Lupa. After graduating from Schenley High School in Pittsburgh, she worked as a secretary at Rockwell Manufacturing.
On Oct. 13, 1951, Virginia married Robert A. Bodner Sr., whom she met on a streetcar in Pittsburgh. They had five children and moved to Warren in 1966.
Virginia became a full-time homemaker to her husband and children. She loved being in her kitchen and was an outstanding cook who created unbelievable dinners. She was a fantastic baker making delicious mouthwatering pies and cookies. Some of her best meals were supplemented by the freshest fruits and vegetables grown by her husband, Robert Sr., and son, Bob Jr., in the family garden.
Every holiday was a reason for a family celebration, with Thanksgiving and Christmas holding a particularly cherished place in her heart. Virginia loved collecting, decorating and placing the ornaments on her Christmas tree each year. She passed this tradition on to her children and grandchildren.
Virginia's grandchildren were truly special to her and she delighted in attending as many of their events as she could -- Little League games, dance recitals, high school sports, school musicals, theater productions and high school and college graduations. Virginia really enjoyed listening to her granddaughters Jenna, Dana and Jessie sing and watching her grandson Danny give his valedictorian speech.
Virginia and her daughter Joani treasured spending time together shopping in Pittsburgh, never missing a sidewalk sale and always planning Virginia's annual birthday party at the LeMont Restaurant on Mount Washington.
In the summertime, Virginia enjoyed picnics and cookouts at Mosquito Creek and Presque Isle state parks while watching her sons Bob Jr., Johnny, Michael and Richard fishing; she got a kick out of seeing their big catches.
Virginia enjoyed Ohio's finest amusement park, Cedar Point, making it a family vacation each year. Virginia's caregiver for the last 10 years, her son Richard, kept the annual Cedar Point tradition going so she could indulge in her favorites -- the train and boat rides and the Halloween weekends.
Virginia doted on all animals, especially dogs and cats, taking care of them daily with the love reflected in her ear-to-ear smile.
Virginia had a deep love for polka music, especially the Chardon Polka Band, traveling with her family in Northeastern Ohio and Western Pennsylvania to see them play live. Virginia also enjoyed rock 'n' roll; the music group "The Cars" was her favorite band. She admired blue-eyed bassist and singer Ben Orr of Cleveland, relishing a backstage autograph given to her as a present from her son, Michael. She listened to every Cars album recorded.
Virginia was a devout Catholic, most recently as a member of St. Joseph Church and St. John Paul II Parish in Warren, and a proud member of the Democratic Party.
She is survived by her children, Joan (Dan) Murray of Moon Township, Pa., John (Patty) Bodner of Lawrence, Pa., Michael Bodner of Warren and caregiver Richard Bodner, also of Warren. Virginia had four grandchildren, Danny (Danielle) Murray, Jenna (Joe) Murray Lehman, Dana Murray and Jessie Murray.
Virginia was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Walter and Stella Lupa; her husband, Robert A. Bodner Sr., who passed away Aug. 22, 1987; a son, Robert A. Bodner Jr.; her infant granddaughter, Gabrielle Murray; and her siblings, Rose Staudenmier, Walter Lupa, Laura Buck, Mary Szulborsk and baby Stanley Lupa.
Per Virginia's wishes, a private service for the family has taken place at Peter Rossi and Sons Memorial Chapel. Virginia was laid to rest in All Souls Cemetery.
(special notice)