June C. (Wajda) Byo

June Catherine Wajda Byo, 93, of Bernalillo, NM passed away peacefully on Wednesday November 12, 2025. 

She was born January 4, 1932 in Youngstown, Ohio, the daughter of the late John and Mary (Piejko) Wajda, and remained an 89-year resident of Northeast Ohio.

June was educated in the Johnston (OH) Schools where she was valedictorian of the class of 1950. She received a bachelor’s degree in music education from the then-Youngstown College in 1954 and a master’s degree in education from Youngstown State University in 1977.

Her skill and passion for teaching and music and a love of children led to a 29-year career as a first-grade teacher in the Liberty Local Schools and a 30+ year association with the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra as violinist and music librarian and the Warren Philharmonic Orchestra and the Greenville (PA) Symphony Orchestra as violinist. She combined school teaching with active engagement as a respected performing musician, joining the talented and dedicated musicians of the Mahoning Valley and Western Pennsylvania to cultivate the classical music culture. 

In retirement, she served on the Altar Guild at Church Hill United Methodist Church.

June is preceded in death by husband of 69 years Donald "Bill" Byo, brothers Henry, Thaddeus, Chester, and Thomas, and sisters Frances, Lottie, and Danice. 

She is survived by brother Edward Wajda (and spouse Phyllis) of Farmdale, OH and sister Sally Ashelman (and spouse Keith) of Champion, OH. A super mom and grandmother—kind, thoughtful, and compassionate, she is survived by children and their spouses; James (Jane) Byo, Susan (Howard) Passell, and Kathy (Richard) Hentosh; grandchildren Ben (Adrienne) Byo, Caitlin (Justin) Thuet, Alex (Mary) Byo, and Julia Passell, and five great grandchildren.

Visitation will be held Saturday, December 6 beginning at 9:30, followed by a memorial service at 11:00 at Church Hill United Methodist Church, 189 Churchill Hubbard Rd., Youngstown, OH. 

June will be laid to rest at Tod Homestead Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts be made to the Church Hill United Methodist Church (please notate “music fund”), 189 Churchill Hubbard Rd., Youngstown, OH 44505.