Joan
F.
Alspaugh
)Bobay
Obituary
JOAN F. BOBAY, 91, peacefully went home to our Lord, and reunited with the love of her life, Tom, on November 29, 2020, after a short illness. She spent her last days at home surrounded by her family. Born on October 22, 1929, in Fort Wayne, Joan was a 1947 graduate of Central Catholic High School. Joan married Thomas E. Bobay 71 years ago, and they enjoyed a full life filled with many good friends, a large extended family, and their life long romance. Joan recently described her life in 5 stages: The first 20 years was her youth, when she grew up in a loving family and supportive community near the old St. Andrews Church, and where she met her special guy; the next 20 years, Joan gave birth to, and raised her five children, while Tom brought home the bacon; the next 20 years saw Joan re-enter the work force, where her talents for organization shined through in roles as an administrative assistant for the Magnavox Co., and then for St. Joseph Hospital; the next 20 years saw Joan and Tom enjoying each other and retirement, as they traveled the USA and beyond, escaping to warm, sunny beaches every winter, volunteering in several capacities at their church, and creating a wonderful getaway at their Hamilton Lake cottage; in the final ten years, she bravely carried on after Tom’s passing, with renewed focus on her 12 grandchildren, delighting in the birth of several great grandchildren, and enjoying the support of new and old friends in the widow’s group at church. She was a member of Queen of Angels Catholic Church since 1957. She was a fantastic cook, enjoyed playing cards and mahjong with friends and family, and was a bright star, sharing love and joy with everyone she met. She is survived by five children, Lynn of Grandy, N.C., Keith (Julie 1) of Bloomington, Craig (Nancy), Denise Libbing (Dave), and Terry (Julie 2) all of Fort Wayne; and grandchildren, Tim, Ben, Kylene, Beth, Sarah, Mollie, Sean, David, Annie, Lia, Tyler, and Kelly; ten great grandchildren; brother, Jim Alspaugh (Pat); brother in law Frank Bookmyer; sisters in law Dorothy Drew, and Rita Bastress; and, dozens of nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents Silas and Alice Alspaugh, brothers Don and Denis Alspaugh, sisters Mary Jo Alspaugh and Rita Bookmyer, son in law Russell Strunk, and daughter in law Sharon Bobay. She was loved and will be missed by many. A private Mass of Christian Burial for immediate family only will be offered at Queen of Angels Catholic Church, Fort Wayne. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Queen of Angels.
Services
Condolences
When uploading images, please allow the images to fully transfer before submitting form. Image thumbnails will appear below the comment box.
Comment required for image uploads.
20 total images or 20Mb max.
Dear Family. You have my sympathy on the loss of your Mother, a great lady!
I had many of games of Mah- Jongg with her and she was sure a winner! ❤️
Joan lived a well life and I am so happy to be apart of it.
Joan Kintz
Joan was a good friend of my Mom, Mary Martin. They worked together at St. Joe hospital and kept in touch after retirement. My Mom passed away December 14, 2010, and even though Joan was grieving her own great loss of her husband Tom, she took the time to call me and kindly shared a funny memory that she had of Mom. It involved one of the famous St. Joe Christmas turkeys, an icy parking lot, a parked car, and the retrieval of said turkey. 😀 I know they are reunited, and sharing more laughter. Our Redeemer lives!
I feel very honored to have known Joan. My wife Aggie, and my father Garth, and I really enjoyed the great times at Hamilton Lake that we all had with Tom , and Joan. Joan will be missed dearly by the family and friends that she had.RIP Joan!
Very special lady, will be missed. Condolences from the Locke Family
Sending our warmest thoughts to the Bobay Family.
May the peace that comes from the memories of love shared comfort you now and in the days ahead. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
With condolences,
The Staff at NeighborLink
So sorry to hear of the death of dear Joan. I first met her when I was a Director at St. Joe Hospital. I soon looked forward to seeing her smiling face. She also served as the best receptionist at the Volunteer Center! She was always beautifully dressed and had that warm caring smile. She loved her family and was always so happy to share the latest updates on family activities. I was so honored to know her and I know that she must have left a legacy of wonderful memories. God bless!
I’m so sorry for the loss of your mother. I have so many great memories that we shared in the early sixties. I think the most one was the morning coffee with the neighbors, talking about what our wonderful children were up to. Also how can I forget about the weekly dance lessons with our friends. And so many more. She was a great friend. Bless all of you.
Billie Lamson Underwood, Fort Wayne, IN.
Many Queen of Angels memories!
My condolences to the family-
Betty Geary
A wonderful lady. Our sincere condolences go out to the family. May Joan rest in perpetual peace with Tom.
Memories of your wonderful mom reach back to early childhood. I will always remember her with a warm, welcoming smile…greeting you like you were her best friend! God rest her kind, loving soul….and embrace all of you guys with peace during this sad, sad time.
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your mom. The last time I saw her was when she came to a viewing for a Queen of Angels parishioner. This was before covid so we could recognize each other. We had a nice chat. I knew your mom and dad were good friends of my parents, Bill and Betty Block, but didn’t realize she was in my dad’s grade. Please know that I prayer for all of you. Love and Prayers, Debby Block Andrews