Thelma (Ilyas) Badwey

Thelma (Ilyas) Badwey, 87, of Naples, FL, and formerly of Potomac, MD, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 24, 2024, at Physician's Regional Medical Center in Naples, FL, with her loving daughter by her side.

She is survived by her cherished children, Robert E. Badwey, MD of Atlanta, GA, Richard E. (Laurie Hall) Badwey of Alexandria, VA, and Rayna Badwey-Matz of Naples, FL. She was the devoted grandmother of four beloved grandchildren, Austin Matz of Charlotte, NC, Mackenzie Matz of Pittsburgh, PA, and Laura Grace Badwey and Richard Nelson Badwey, both of Alexandria, VA. Thelma is also survived by her sister, Thomasine I. (Everett, Jr., JD CDR USN, Ret.) Alvarez; along with numerous nephews, their spouses, and extended family members.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Shakir Thomas Ilyas, MD, and Roujina (Koury) Ilyas; and her beloved husband of 65 years, Robert E. Badwey, MD, who passed away on November 4, 2024.

Born September 27, 1937, at Georgetown Hospital in Washington, DC, Thelma grew up in a close-knit family. During World War II, while her father was stationed for 3 years in England as an Army medical doctor, the family moved to Munhall, PA, to be closer to relatives. Thelma graduated from Munhall High School, attended Case Western Reserve University, and later earned her Bachelor's degree from the University of Pittsburgh.

A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Thelma was surrounded by love, kindness, and grace. She centered her life around her family and her Faith. After her children were born, Thelma chose to be a stay-at-home mother, dedicating herself to raising her family. It was prior to her husband’s military service as a Medical Doctor in the Air Force that they settled in Washington, DC. Much later, she embarked on a new chapter as a tour guide with Heritage Tours. Thelma described this career as the highlight of her life, finding joy in sharing the history and beauty of the nation's capital. She worked with Heritage Tours for over 20 years, leaving a lasting impression on those she met.

Services for Thelma Badwey will be held at the Sts. Peter and Paul Antiochian Orthodox Church, 10620 River Rd., Potomac, MD, on Thursday, January 9, 2025, with Visitation from 5 - 7 PM, with a Funeral Service at 7 PM. A Mercy Dinner at the church will follow. In addition, on Saturday, January 11, services will be held at the St. George Antiochian Orthodox Cathedral, 3400 Dawson Street, Pittsburgh, PA, with Visitation from 11 AM - 12 Noon, with a Funeral Service at 12 Noon. EVERYONE PLEASE MEET AT CHURCH. Thelma will join her beloved husband at Jefferson Memorial Park, 401 Curry Hollow Road, Pittsburgh, PA, following the conclusion of the Funeral Service. A Mercy Dinner will follow (location to be determined). At 5 PM on Wednesday, February 5, a 40-day Memorial Service in memory of Thelma will be held at the St. Paul Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church, 2425 Rivers Road, Naples, FL.

Thelma will be deeply missed by her family and all who knew and loved her, but her legacy of love, faith, and kindness will live on in the hearts of her family and friends. May her memory be eternal. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in her memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org/donate.

Local arrangements provided by the SAVOLSKIS-WASIK-GLENN FUNERAL HOME, INC., 3501 Main Street, Munhall, PA 15120. Condolences may be left at www.swgfuneralhome.com.

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