Jo-Ann Woak

YOUNGSTOWN – Jo-Ann Gubich Woak passed away peacefully July 15, 2026, the day after her 93rd birthday, at the home of her daughter in Cape Hatteras, North Carolina.

Jo-Ann was born July 14, 1933, in Youngstown. She was raised by her grandfather, Rade Yekich.

She graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1952.

In 1957, she married Fred Woak Sr.

Jo-Ann was known for her thick black Serbian hair and friendly outgoing personality. She was one of a kind.

She had a unique way of speaking that was entirely her own. Her speech had a distinctive rhythm and character, often using expressions and turns of phrase that became part of her family’s cherished memories.

When asked what she was doing, Jo-Ann would say, “I’m sitting here minding my own business not bothering nobody”, yet she always had the latest scoop including the really “juicy scoop” that she was always eager to share.

She liked Chanel #5, The Pittsburgh Penguins, and The Pittsburgh Steelers. Jo-Ann and daughter Lynn enjoyed wearing their Black and Gold to aggravate a family of mostly Browns fans.

Jo-Ann liked to travel and gypsy around town checking out garage sales and thrift stores. Her gallivanting earned her the nickname Cadillac Jo.

Jo-Ann attended the Victor George Beauty Academy. After enduring countless “basic cuts” and fuzzy perms, the family was glad when she hung up her scissors.

Jo-Ann was an active member of Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church. She belonged to many groups and helped with pierogi and do-nut sales. She had a deep love for the Byzantine Catholic Rite. Her countless rosaries, novenas, lit candles and prayers to “her buddy” St. Jude have helped the family get through many tough times.

If you were hungry, Jo-Ann would give you her last sandwich. That’s the kind of person she was.

In her memory, say a prayer, light a candle, or do something nice for somebody.

Jo-Ann is preceded in death by her husband, Fred Sr.

She leaves behind two sons, Fred Jr. (Cheri) and Greg (Melissa); three daughters, Lana Woak, Anna Woak and Lynn Leetch; 11 grandchildren, Hayley (Jared) Nunley, Matthew Woak, Tyler (Brianna) Woak, Bobbie McKee, David (Jody) McKee, Emilee (Michael) Migielicz, Brian Woak Andrew (Malorie) Grubbs, Caitlyn Setree, Senora Merrill and Timothy Leetch; and five great-grandchildren, Arieonna McKee, Chloe McKee, Myla McKee, Brayden McKee and Nolan Nunley. Jo-Ann loved them all dearly.

The family cannot express enough thanks and gratitude to Lana Woak for taking such good care of Jo-Ann for the last 10 years. Also, a big thank you to Dare Home Health and Hospice in Dare County, North Carolina.

Private services were held at Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church.

Jo-Ann was buried at Lake Park Cemetery in Youngstown, beside her husband.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church, 526 W. Rayen Ave., Youngstown, OH 44502.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Kinnick Funeral Home in Youngstown.