Ida D. (Zabala) Kawa

Kawa, Ida D., 90, of Johnstown, passed away at Arbors Nursing Home, Streetsboro, Ohio, on April 7, 2020. She was born on February 2, 1930, in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Preceded in death by parents, Henry and Mary Fiscus-Zabala, husband Benny A. Kawa, married for 69 years and who passed away January 12, 2019, first-born infant daughter Cecilia, sisters Jeannie Nugent, Rosemary Miske, and Peggy Diehl, brothers Henry, Andrew, Robert, Jesse, two infant siblings Linda and Anthony, and son-in-law, Kenneth D. Costlow. Survived by daughters Catherine Costlow (widow of Kenneth Costlow) of Johnstown, and Deborah, married to Jeff Rininger, Davidsville. Also survived by son Benny, married to Melinda Pisarczyk, Salem, Virginia, and daughter Mary Donna, married to Rick Cummings, Streetsboro, Ohio, and sisters Patricia Mattimore, Anna Tomak, Josephine Wilson, brother Raymond, 8 grandchildren: Kristin, Luke (Candice), and Jana Rininger; Dana (Wilson Hawes), Aaron (Sharon), and Breanna Kawa; Matthew and Kevin Cummings and 5 great grandchildren: Taylor and Gabriel Kawa, James Anthony Hawes, Micah Cummings, and Ayva Hale-Cummings. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. In her earlier years, Ida worked as manager of the Keyway Club and also at Marc I Restaurant. She enjoyed shopping at Boscov’s and Value City with her daughters, playing bingo and pinochle, casinos, dancing, and dining out with her friends. She was well known for her baked goods, including pies, cakes, and cookies, and most notably nut rolls, poppyseed rolls, and apricot horns. She spent hours in the kitchen and was always cooking ethnic foods including pierogies, halushki, and halupki. She had an “open door” kitchen, always inviting and feeding the neighbors. Ida had a heart of gold and was a kind, generous, giving person. This was reflected by her actions helping someone in need where she would give her last dollar or shirt off her back. The family would like to express their thanks and gratitude to Michelle, Desiree, and the entire Arbors Nursing Home Staff for their compassionate care. Due to public health concerns as the result of the coronavirus, a memorial service will be held at a later date. The family is being served by Shorts Spicer Crislip Funeral Home Streetsboro Chapel. Condolences and memories of Ida may be shared at www.sscfuneralhomes.com. You were the best Mom ever and you will be sadly missed and live forever in our hearts.