Clara Ann Bogdziewicz Gabriel

YOUNGSTOWN — Clara Ann Bogdziewicz Gabriel, lovingly known to everyone as “Aunt Clara,” passed away peacefully March 28, 2026, at the age of 90.

Clara was born Clara Ann Bogdziewicz in Youngstown, Ohio, on Aug. 4, 1935. She graduated from New Castle High School in 1952 and began working as a clerk at the local Kroger grocery store. She soon advanced and became the dairy manager at Kroger’s Belmont Avenue and Market Street stores in Youngstown. She retired when Kroger closed its regional stores in the mid-1980s. Clara then worked as a part-time caregiver for her friends’ elderly parents, and for Master’s Tuxedos when they needed help during their busy seasons.

Clara loved cooking and enjoyed crafting projects, which she shared with her family, and was a member of various luncheon card-playing clubs with several of her friends throughout the years. She also loved remembering her several nieces and nephews on their birthdays and holidays by sending them fun cards in the mail, and when she wanted to entertain them, she took them to see countless movies at the Southern Park Mall and the Austintown Theater. Her favorite movie was “The Sound of Music,” evidenced by the countless times she watched it, first on VHS and then on DVD. Her niece Debbie and nephew Bob were playing the soundtrack to her during her last moments, ensuring she was at ease.

Clara was preceded in death by her mother, Angeline “Nellie” Sniezek, and her stepfather, Stanley Sniezek.

She is survived by her brothers, Frank (Elaine) Bogdziewicz of Austintown and John (Eileen) Bournikos of Dravosburg, Pennsylvania; as well as her nieces and nephews, Kathy (John) Lynn, Johnny Bournikos, Bob (Laura Lee) Bogdziewicz, Mike (Brooke) Bogdziewicz and Debra (Gary Gray) McDowell. Clara is also survived by several great-nieces and great-nephews, in whose lives she took great pleasure in following.

A private funeral service will be held at Kinnick Funeral Home in Youngstown, and her remains will be interred next to her parents at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Boardman.

The family would like to express their thanks for the wonderful help and care given by the staff at Woodlands at Austinwoods, as well as Southern Care Hospice.