Virginia J. Bodner

Warren- Virginia J Bodner, 99, passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home on June 10, 2026.

Born on September 6, 1926, in Pittsburgh PA, Virginia was the daughter of Walter and Stella Lupa. After graduating from Schenley High School in Pittsburgh PA, she worked as a secretary at Rockwell Manufacturing.

On October 13, 1951, Virginia married Robert A Bodner Sr. who she met on a streetcar in Pittsburgh PA. They had five children and moved to Warren OH in 1966.

In Warren, 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 and 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 particular cherished place in her heart. Virginia loved collecting, decorating, and enjoying the ornaments on her Christmas tree each year. She passed this tradition onto her children and grandchildren.

Virginia’s grandchildren were truly special to her and she enjoyed attending as many of their events as she could, enjoying Little League games, dance recitals, high school sports, school musicals, theatre productions, plus 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 and delighted in 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 ten years, her son Richard, kept the annual Cedar Point tradition going so she could enjoy her favorites, the train and boat rides, and the Halloween Weekends.

Virginia enjoyed 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 North Eastern Ohio and Western Pennsylvania to see them play live. Virginia also enjoyed Rock and Roll, with the music group The Cars being her favorite band. She admired blue eyed bassist singer Ben Orr from Cleveland OH, relishing his backstage autograph given to her as a present from her son Michael and listening to every Cars album recorded.

Virginia was a devout Catholic, most recently as a member of St Joseph’s and Saint John Paul II Parish in Warren OH, 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 OH, and caregiver Richard Bodner of Warren OH. 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 on August 22, 1987. A son, Robert A Bodner Jr. her infant granddaughter Gabrielle Murray, and her siblings, Rose Staudenmier, Walter Lupa, Laura Buck, Mary Szulborski, and baby Stanley Lupa.

Per Virginia’s wishes, a private service was held with family at the Peter Rossi and Sons Memorial Chapel and she was laid to rest at All Souls Cemetery.

Visit www.peterrossiandsonfh.com to send condolences to the family.