Barbara May Gydosh

Barbara May Gydosh, a long-time resident of Bedford, passed away November 26, 2025, at her home in Port Saint Lucie, Florida, with her family by her side. She was the beloved wife of the late Joseph L. Gydosh. Their love story began when they were teenagers, and together they built a life rooted in love and family from their home in Bedford, following Joe’s army service.

Witty, stubborn, and generous, Barbara had a way of making people feel at home—quick with a laugh, honest in the best way, and always ready with something thoughtful or funny to say.

Barbara is survived by her children, Suzanne Devera (John), Barbara “Becky” Manikas (Paul) and Joseph C. Gydosh; her grandsons, James J. Moore (Lauren), Daniel J. Moore (Jennifer), Matthew P. Manikas, and Joseph A. Gydosh; her great-grandsons, Sàndor and Levente Moore; and her sister Carol Pisonelli. She was preceded in death by her siblings Arnold Balas and Paula Krhla.

She kept lifelong friendships and loved opening her home to others, often over coffee or a cup of Red Rose tea (and “Nana soup or chicken paprikas).

Barbara had a special love for animals, especially the numerous dogs and cats she counted as family throughout her life. For more than 20 years, she cared for a feral cat colony. She is survived by her beloved old cats Hunci and Benny Boo Boo.

Barbara also delighted in working in her garden amongst her plants. She knew the names of every perennial, annual, rose, vegetable, and tree growing there, and took great pleasure in discovering something unique to add to her garden every Spring. She was a life-long reader and enjoyed a good mystery—and she never turned down a good debate. Shopping, especially at thrift stores, was a favorite pastime. Growing up as a child of the Great Depression, she loved finding a treasure or a bargain. She had a sharp mind for numbers was a worthy opponent at any kind of mind challenging or card game and most recently delighted in learning Canasta and Blackjack, playing weekly with her Florida friends.

Her Hungarian heritage was central to her life. She actively participated in her Hungarian community at St. Elizabeth of Hungary on Buckeye Road, including dancing with Joe--in full costume--at the annual Szüreti Mulatsàg (Harvest Festival). She was also active in her community at St. Eugene’s Byzantine Church in Bedford—especially as part of the catering crew, and later with the Feed the Needy program and the Rosary Society. Living in Ohio, most of her life, she was also a die-hard Cleveland Browns and Guardians fan.

Barbara was the long-time Administrative Assistant to Mayor Lucille Reed of the City of Bedford Heights, and she also spent several years volunteering at Bedford Hospital.

She lived in the same home for nearly 70 years and filled it with love, faith, and laughter. She will be remembered as a strong, independent woman with a great sense of humor. Her family will forever treasure her “Nana-isms” and the many stories that bring laughter. Filled with faith and love, Barbara will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved her.

A Celebration of Life will be on Saturday, April 25th at St. John Funeral Home,923 Broadway Ave., Bedford, Ohio 44146 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in the name of Barbara Gydosh to Alley Cat Allies (donate@alleycat.org) or planting of trees in memory through the National Arbor Day Foundation (shop@arborday.org/commemorative)