Margaret Theresa "Baba" Faranda

Margaret Theresa "Baba" Faranda, 95, of Johnstown, died on December 4, 2019 at her daughters home in Everett.

Born February 8, 1924 in Johnstown, daughter of Albert and Anna (Totas) Smolen.

Preceded in death by her parents, husband Guy S. Faranda, son Guy A. Faranda, brothers and sisters Jacob, Andy, John, Joseph, and Steve Smolen, Mary Smolen, Rosemary Campanella, Helen Bistransky, Katie Karan, and Anna Lorens.

Survived by daughter and caregiver Mary Theresa Ober, wife of Frank, grandchildren Jason Ober (Alexandra Firm), Vincent Faranda (George Pellegrino), and Tina Ober (Paul Ellsworth), great-granddaughters Haylea and Kyra Ober, best friend Daisy. Also numerous nieces and nephews and son Phillip Faranda married to Mary, and grandson Christian Faranda.

Margie was the last surviving member of the Smolen family’s 11 kids. The last of “The Golden Girls”.

Known to many as Margie, she was a loyal member of Catholic Daughters of America for over 50 years, of which she served as the President for several years. She had a passion for bowling.

Although she was an avid Steeler fan, she had a devotion to her Manning brothers. Margie was the “better half” of Faranda’s Market, working long hours side by side with her late husband Tony. Perhaps she is best known as the “Wing Ding Lady” at Faranda’s bar, where she would individually clean, bread, fry, and after serve over 1,000 wings a week. This was back before wings were the hot item of today.

The last dozen years, you could find her endlessly crocheting scarfs, hats, shaws, and afghans for family, friends, hospice, the veterans, and churches. She was happy out on her balcony enjoying the sunshine. Her best friend Daisy was at her side on their daily walks up and down the lane.

Above all, Baba cherished family. The pride and joy of her life were Jason, Tina, and Vinny, but the grand prize was the precious granddaughters Haylea and Kyra.

Friends and family will be received from 5-7 PM on Friday, December 6, 2019 at the Frank Duca Funeral Home, East Hills Chapel and Crematory, 404 Walters Avenue, Johnstown PA 15904. (Near PA Drivers Center and Armory). Friends received from 11:00 AM until time of Funeral Service at 11:30 AM on Saturday at the Funeral Home. Private Interment, Benshoff Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org in memory of Margaret "Baba" Faranda.

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