Leona E. Franek

Leona E. Franek, 103, of Philipsburg, died Friday, August 7, 2026, at Heritage Ridge at Windy Hill Village, RD Philipsburg.

Leona was born on July 3, 1923, in Philipsburg, a daughter of the late Stephen and Julia (Thomas) Bilanich.

She was married on May 4, 1940, to Joseph P. Franek. Joseph preceded her in death on August 6, 2006.

She was also preceded in death by two sisters, Louise Medzie and Margaret Harvey, in addition to her parents and husband.

Leona is survived by three daughters: Gail M. Ginter and her husband, Richard, of Littlestown, Pa., Marlene L. Clark and her husband, John, of Morrisdale and Jackie C. Vieard and her husband, Dan, of Morrisdale; two songs, Walter J. Franek, and his wife, Claudia, of Florida and Stephen L. Franek and his wife, Antoinette, of Morrisdale; ten grandchildren; twenty-one great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Christine “Gale” Vance of DuBois, Pa.; and numerous other extended family members.

Leona was a member of the SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Philipsburg.

She was a dedicated homemaker, an accomplished seamstress and she loved to bake.

A Funeral Mass was celebrated at SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Philipsburg, with Rev. Matthias Rendon, O.F.M., celebrant.

Interment was in SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Cemetery, RD Philipsburg.

Memorial contributions may be made in Leona’s memory to the American Heart Association at http://www.heart.org.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Beezer-Heath Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Philipsburg.

Online condolences and memories may be shared at http://www.beezerheathfh.com.