Anna Martha Gonda

Anna Martha Gonda, 97, of Youngstown, passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, July 15, 2019. Anna was born at home in Girard on August 24, 1921, the daughter of John and Anna (Chismark) Gonda Sr. and spent her first few decades there, a city she loved her entire life. During WWII, Anna began her 30-year career at General Fireproofing by manufacturing airplane components. She, along with many Rosie the Riveters of her time, assembled part of the fuselages of airplanes for the war effort. After retirement, even though Anna’s primary role was caring for her father for many, many years, she always had time and energy to help family and friends. During this time, Anna became well known and is still remembered as the Christmas ornament crafter—her self-designed hand-beaded ornaments are still displayed throughout the area on holidays. If she knew you in any way, you received one of Anna’s ornaments. In addition, she is also known for her lovely crocheted afghans, delicious preserved food, and perfectly shaped hedges. Anna regularly attended Concordia Lutheran Church until she physically could not do so and was proud to belong to the National Slovak Society. Anna is survived by many nieces and nephews and great- and great-great nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, she is preceded in death by her sisters, Helen Gonda and Irene Gonda, her brothers, John, Paul, Milan, Edward and Steve, and her great-niece, Stephanie Gonda, who assisted in her care. The family thanks all who were part of Team Anna over the last few years, honoring her wishes to remain in her home: her doctor and staff, her visiting nurse, and her caregivers. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 20th,10:30 AM at Blackstone Funeral Home, where the family will receive relatives and friends one hour prior to the service. Anna will return to the city she loved and be laid to rest at Girard City Cemetery. Visit www.blackstonefuneralhome.comto view this obituary and to send any condolences to the family.