Obituary of Jonie Sabo

Jonie Sabo, 69, died peacefully with her family and dearest friends by her side on Monday, November 21st in her beloved hometown, right across the street from her mom, Joan Purdy Sabo, and their family restaurant, SayBoys. In her beautiful and well-lived life, Jonie was quite literally described as “the light entering the room”, and her vivaciousness, charisma, and care for all around her left a lasting impression on all who were fortunate to meet her. After her success at Fairmont Senior High School (‘71) and her pursuit of communications and journalism at West Virginia University (‘75), Jonie packed her bags for the sun-filled beaches of South Florida where she built a beautiful life with her family, rising up to become Director of Sales and Marketing for Marriott as well as a Manager of Public Relations for Neiman Marcus Corporation. She raised her family in Fort Lauderdale, on the water, and gave them the same childhood she had–one filled with joy, laughter, and love. Of all these commendable successes, the ones she was the most proud of were her two wonderful children, Stefan Taylor Schmidt and Jenna Joan Schmidt, who loved her dearly. Though she traveled the world, hosted many glamorous galas, and lived a life many would describe as three lifetimes in one, she never forgot where she came from, and she returned to her hometown in order to spend time with her mother, whom she described as her best friend–“they did everything together”. She could still be found visiting with customers at SayBoys, organizing reunions, on nights out with her WVU sorority sisters, and reminiscing about majorette routines with her very best friends. In all of her incredible life pursuits, she never forgot her roots. Though this light is no longer with us, she will never be forgotten, and her legacy of kindness towards all and love for life will live on through her children and all who loved her. Jonie was preceded in death by her beloved father, Albert Sabo, and will be laid to rest next to him in a private ceremony at Shinnston Memorial Cemetery. Ford Funeral Home, Ford Chapel, 201 Columbia Street, Fairmont, West Virginia has been entrusted with the arrangements. All are welcome to visit the family for a celebration of life at SayBoys Restaurant, 1228 Country Club Road, unit 10, Fairmont, WV 26554 on Monday, December 19, 2022 from 7PM until 9PM. Online condolences may be made to www.fordfuneralhomes.comAll are welcome.