Joan R. Zippay

Joan lived a life that was truly blessed — not by material wealth, but by the deep and abiding love she shared with her family and everyone she met. She would often say, “we may not have a lot, but we have a lot of love,” and that love was her greatest treasure.

Joan was preceded in death by her husband Edward A Zippay, her 10 siblings, and grandson, Joel Zippay.

She is survived by her 9 children: Susan & Peter Fleskes, Edward & Louann Zippay, John & Ann Zippay, Mary & Brad Hall, James & Beth Zippay, Maureen & Robert Bogantz, Nancy & Ted Peplowski, Ann & Brad Ruminski, and Jennifer & Karl Lehman. She is also survived by 24 grandchildren, and 30 great grandchildren.

Even at 95, Joan’s mind was as sharp as ever. She knew every one of her 55 grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s names and birthdays, keeping track of each milestone with pride and affection. Her love extended far beyond her immediate family, embracing her nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews with the same warmth and care. Her devotion to her family was matched only by her loyalty to her favorite sports teams, the Browns, Guardians, Cavaliers, and The Buckeyes.

Joan was a woman of deep faith, a devout Catholic who found her strength and peace in her relationship with Jesus. Her faith guided her through life, and she leaves behind a legacy of kindness, generosity, and unwavering trust in God. Joan was looking forward to the day, when she would meet Jesus and be reunited with her husband, Eddie.

Joan was immensely proud of her Irish heritage and often found comfort in the words of the beloved Irish Blessing.

"May the road rise up to meet you, May the wind be always at your back, May the sun shine warm upon your face, And rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand."

Friends and family received at ST. JOHN FUNERAL HOME, 923 BROADWAY AVE, BEDFORD (ONE MILE WEST OF THE FORBES-BROADWAY EXIT OF I-271) on Friday, September 20, 2024, from 4 P.M. – 7 P.M. Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, September 21 at Our Lady of Hope Church of Bedford at 11:30 A.M. with a visitation at church from 10:30 A.M. until time of mass. Burial to follow at All Saints Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org/donate), or National Right to Life (https://secure.anedot.com/nrlc/donate)