Joan Claire Bohata

Joan Bohata, a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend to all, left this world on October 31st, 2023, in Bentonville, Arkansas, surrounded by her family. Joan’s death came after a 20 month bout with metastatic breast cancer that had spread to her bones and skull.

Joan was the oldest of five siblings. She was born in Tullahoma, Tennessee and grew up traveling the world with her family, as her father was in the Military, before settling in New Jersey. Some of her favorite memories were with her family and she would regale the grandchildren with so many stories from attending school in a castle, to she and her sister painting their father’s car pink.

Joan finished high school after attending 17 different schools by graduating from Red Bank Catholic High School in Red Bank, New Jersey. In her senior yearbook, they chose a popular song to represent each student - Joan was designated “Earth Angel” and assigned the caption, “This little maid is quite inclined to talk and laugh with all mankind.” It truly was her passion.

She met the love of her life, James Bohata while working on an Army base in New Jersey and the two fell in love. They only dated for 1 month before they were married. They were married for 54 years and rarely spent a day apart.

When not spending time with her family, Joan was extremely devoted to the Catholic Church. She held multiple administrative and teaching roles at Our Lady of Lourdes and St. Barnabas Catholic Churches in Birmingham, Alabama. After moving to Bentonville, AR they joined St. Stephen Catholic Church where they have been members for 15 years. She touched so many lives through her faith and positivity. She loved attending adoration and co-led a bible study group until she was no longer able.

At age 57, Joan discovered her art talent and became an accomplished decorative artist. She taught art classes in both Birmingham and Bentonville and had a devoted following. She always enjoyed a sweet Hallmark movie, the QVC network, and reading. And, in true Italian fashion, she showed her love through cooking. She compiled a list of recipes that has been passed down to all of her family members throughout the years.

Joan is survived by her wonderful husband of 54 years, James Bohata, her three children, Donna (Jerry) Zolkowski (Saginaw, MI), Steve Bohata (Chandler, AZ), T. Alexandria Ippolito (Little Rock, AR), ten grandchildren, Sydney Ippolito (Brooklyn, NY), Julian, Gabriel, Lelia, and Pippa Ippolito (Little Rock, AR), Mary, and Gerard Zolkowski (Saginaw, MI), Dominic Bohata (Portland, OR), Andrew, and Simon Bohata (Chandler, AZ), and her two great-grandchildren, Talia Rose and Genevieve Grace (Saginaw, MI).

She is also survived by her siblings Judy, Pete (Rose) and Donna Maria.

She was preceded in death by her parents Joseph Anthony and Viola Teresa Conzalina.

Her memory will be carried and reflected through her family and everyone whose life this amazing little lady has touched in her 81 years on this earth.

A memorial mass will be held at St. Stephen Catholic Church on November 9th, 2023 at 10AM.