Tillie Skala Plaza

September 27, 1924 to March 1, 2026

Tillie, lovingly known to many as Babus, was a fierce combination of both her Polish and her Pennsylvania roots, a background she never forgot. It was a major move to Oak Ridge in 1963, when she followed her husband due to his job opportunity, but eventually, Oak Ridge became home as much as Johnstown, Pennsylvania.

In Johnstown, she was a member of St. Casimir’s Catholic Church, where she was known for her love of singing. In Oak Ridge, she was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Some may have known her from her many years in the children’s department at JC Penney’s. Others knew her from her retirement job at Homeland, the Polish restaurant. Still others were recipients of her generosity.

Those close to her knew her as a force to be reckoned with. She was a hard worker and went all out in everything she did. She was a wonderful cook, and the supply of golabkis, city chicken, perogies and other Polish foods seemed endless. She was a championship bowler and went with her teammate friends all over the country to tournaments. She was a dedicated housekeeper, ironing sheets long after most didn’t even know that was a thing. Her house was spotless and even neat behind closet doors. She could be seen raking the yard until close to 100 years old.

Tillie was preceded in death by her husband John, her son James, her parents and 9 siblings as well as in-laws and many nieces and nephews. She is survived by her daughter Jacqueline (Oak Ridge), her grandchildren: Jennifer Wiggins (Chattanooga), Jonathan Plaza (Knoxville), Bobby McCoy (Sarah) (Oak Ridge) and Matthew McCoy (Oak Ridge) as well as 5 great grandchildren: Tyler Wiggins, Lexi Plaza, Grace, Daniel and Andrew McCoy, and many extended family members.

Tillie desired to live at home, and she was able to until she passed at 101 years old thanks to the support of many friends and family who were essential in making her last years happy and comfortable. She was looked after with affection, skill and compassion by Kevisha Steen and Lee Whalen, her caregivers, along with UT Hospice. The assistance of others, including Lynn Moore, Yolanda Hatton and many friends, family and helpers who visited on a regular schedule, assisted with necessary tasks and went above and beyond in their concern were crucial in allowing her to stay in her home as she wanted.

Receiving of friends will be on Friday, March 6 at Mott McKamey Funeral home in Oak Ridge from 5:00 to 7:00. Memories and prayers will be shared together from 6:30 to 7:00.

On Saturday, March 7 at 12:00 there will be a service at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Oak Ridge. From 11:00 to 12:00 there will be a visitation. Interment will be in her hometown, Johnstown, Pennsylvania, at St. Casimir’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Heart Association.