Grace L Bakondy

Columbiana – Grace L. Bakondy, age 84, of Columbiana, died on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at her home in Columbiana.

She was born on October 23, 1940, in Sharon, PA, the youngest daughter of the late Peter and Amelia Antonelli Valentino.

As a young woman, Grace worked for General Motors before leaving to pursue her Godly calling of raising a family. Which she enjoyed and excelled at making a home. Having a large family always came with beautiful Sunday pasta dinners that carried down to her grandchildren and the finale of the meal was one of Grace’s delicious desserts that she proudly proclaimed was “the best thing you‘ve ever tasted.” She was known for her homemade spinach pizzas and Mickey Mouse pancakes. Her simple pleasures included a few pots of coffee a day, weekly phone calls with her family members while watching Days of our Lives, and winding down with her “Bobby” to watch Texas Walker Ranger. Grace became very competitive during football season and would be heard yelling at the TV whenever her Steelers were on. She was known for her extensive baking during the holidays and frequently would have to start over the week of, having caught her children sneaking cookies before the big event. Grace also declared to anyone who listened that her favorite song Amazing Grace, was written exclusively for her.

Grace is survived by her husband, Robert Simon Bakondy, whom she married on January 27, 1962; four sons, Robert (Janet) Bakondy, James (Jamie) Bakondy, Brian (Jasmine) Bakondy and Thomas Joseph "TJ" (Melissa) Bakondy; three daughters, Jill Marie (Vincent) Bakondy-Furrie, Sharon Bakondy and Krista (Sunny) Bakondy-Mistry; nineteen grandchildren; six great grandchild and a brother, Guy (Florence) Valentino.

She was preceded in death by a brother, Joseph Valentino and three sisters, Thelma Varsho, Betty Verocco and Mary Templeton.

At the end of the day Bob would turn to Grace and say “I love you” which she replied “I love you more.”

A memorial mass will be held at a later date.

Burial will take place at Cool Spring cemetery, Fairfield Township.

Memorial donations in honor of Grace may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Warrick-Kummer-Rettig Funeral Home, Columbiana.

Family and friends may view this obituary and send condolences at www.familycareservices.com