Joan Elizabeth Witkowski was born on the 15th of May 1933 at Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. She was the first child born to the late Verna Thelma Louise Pearson and Joseph John Witkowski after several miscarriages. She would eventually be joined by two brothers, Andrew Francis (1936) and Clair Joseph (1942). Originally the family resided in Hays. By 1935 the family had moved to Session Street before building their family home across the street at #912. That home is currently owned by Joan's niece, Patricia, and her husband Dennis Snyder.
Joan was educated in the Roman Catholic school system attending Holy Angels School in Hays. It was at Holy Angels she was baptized, received her First Holy Communion, and was Confirmed. She would later attend St. Peter's High School in McKeesport, Pennsylvania making lifelong friendships including her best friend, Joan Zimmerman nee Portner.
Joan suffered several early illnesses in her life. At the age of 5, she contracted tuberculosis. Later as a teenager, she contracted polio which left her one leg usable but very weak. It delayed her high school graduation by one year.
In 1952 she was introduced by her brother, Andy, to Samuel James Cavins with whom Andy worked driving truckloads of things to West Virginia and Ohio. The couple married that same year. Their first son, William Robert was born on May 15, his mother's twentieth birthday present. The couple moved around living in Dravosburg, Little Washington, and Glassport. Their second son, Wayne Joseph, was born in 1958. The marriage ended at that time with a divorce being finalized in 1960.
Joan and her sons resided with her parents at the Session Street house during this time. She obtained work at the Credit Bureau in downtown Pittsburgh. She was introduced to Peter Podunavac in 1966. The couple married in 1967. Their son, Brain Peter, was born in 1968. The couple separated in 1969, with Joan moving to Deltona, Volusia County, Florida.
In Florida, Joan obtained work with Stromberg Carlson manufacturing telephones. She went on to work for US Cold Storage in Orlando, eventually becoming the office manager. She was able to purchase her first home in DeBary, Florida.
Once her oldest son had graduated college in 1974, she sold her DeBary home and moved to Orlando to be closer to work. Unfortunately, the company was sold to a foreign-based corporation and many of the office staff, including Joan, were laid off. Her next job was as a surgical scheduler with Jewett Orthopedic Clinic in Winter Park. While working at Jewett, Joan suffered a stroke, leaving her unable to continue working in high-stress positions. She remained in Orlando with her youngest two children. Eventually, she would return to work helping with scheduling pets for grooming at Fifi's of DeBary.
Her oldest son, William. Married in 1985. Joan's first grandchild, Zachary Alexander, was born in 1986. In 1988, Wayne adopted a son, Michael Alexander, who had been born in 1979. Much to Joan's delight her first granddaughter, Suzannah Elizabeth, was born in 1989. In 1990 Joan helped by babysitting William's two children as their parents worked. She would take the kids to baseball practice, dance classes, scout meetings, or swim team practices. In 1995, Brain's first child, Jesse Devon was born. His second child, Jasmine, followed in 2001.
In 2002 Joan, who had sold her home in Orlando and returned to DeBary to reside, started caring for her elderly parents. Her mother died in March of 2004 and her father followed in June of the same year. Joan moved into their old home in Deltona.
Throughout this time Joan continued an active social life. She sang in the church choir and played cards, including bunko, canasta, and gin. She enjoyed painting and doing crafts such as turning seashells into roses or making placemats on a loom. She also treasured her dogs.
Joan was initially diagnosed with dementia in 2009. She hid that fact from her family. She stopped driving and relied on her sons to take her shopping or run errands. In August 2014, it became evident she was having difficulty managing her daily life. Upset by his mother's use of oxycodone, William began going with her to doctor appointments. By October of 2014, William had switched his mother to a doctor specializing in geriatrics. It was at this point the family became aware of her diagnosis of dementia.
Initially, Joan was able to stay in her home. William arranged for Senior Services to provide cleaning and health aides. In August 2015, Joan was hospitalized, and the doctors recommended Rehab to be followed by Assisted Living. Fortunately, William was able to get Joan into Good Samaritan Society Florida Lutheran (Now known as Blue Palms) in DeLand, Florida. By Thanksgiving, Joan was in her new apartment with furnishings she had helped pick as well as familiar items from her home.
Joan's 85th Birthday was marked with a party in her honor at the Stockyard Restaurant in DeLand, Florida. One of her sons, two of her grandchildren, and three of her great-grandchildren were in attendance. Joan Portner Zimmerman, her best friend from high school, attended with her daughter Barbara.
In August 2016 she suffered a series of heart attacks and strokes, necessitating her transfer to skilled care. She continued her interest in singing. She also enjoyed playing Bingo. The Activities Department sought to involve her in various projects from delivering mail to helping decorate for holidays. In October 2019, Joan was moved into Palliative Care with Halifax Hospice. She remained in their care through her demise on December 6, 2023.
Joan is survived by her sons: William (Gene L Thompson II), Winter Park, FL, Wayne, Butner, NC, and Brian, Lake Helen, FL. She has five grandchildren: Zachary Cavins (Erica) Michael Cavins, Suzannah (Nicholas Seibert), Jesse and Jasmine Podunavac. Six great-grandchildren: Landon, Caleb, Andrew, Nathan, Railynn, and Jameson. Her brothers Andrew (Ellen) Witkowski, Pittsburgh, PA, and Clair (Betty) Witkowski, Ligonier, PA, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Joan's funeral liturgy will be celebrated at Abiding Presence Faith Community, 4605 Curry Ford Road, Orlando, FL 32812. Her cremains will be inurned at Enterprise Evergreen Cemetery, Deltona, Florida.
Joan was educated in the Roman Catholic school system attending Holy Angels School in Hays. It was at Holy Angels she was baptized, received her First Holy Communion, and was Confirmed. She would later attend St. Peter's High School in McKeesport, Pennsylvania making lifelong friendships including her best friend, Joan Zimmerman nee Portner.
Joan suffered several early illnesses in her life. At the age of 5, she contracted tuberculosis. Later as a teenager, she contracted polio which left her one leg usable but very weak. It delayed her high school graduation by one year.
In 1952 she was introduced by her brother, Andy, to Samuel James Cavins with whom Andy worked driving truckloads of things to West Virginia and Ohio. The couple married that same year. Their first son, William Robert was born on May 15, his mother's twentieth birthday present. The couple moved around living in Dravosburg, Little Washington, and Glassport. Their second son, Wayne Joseph, was born in 1958. The marriage ended at that time with a divorce being finalized in 1960.
Joan and her sons resided with her parents at the Session Street house during this time. She obtained work at the Credit Bureau in downtown Pittsburgh. She was introduced to Peter Podunavac in 1966. The couple married in 1967. Their son, Brain Peter, was born in 1968. The couple separated in 1969, with Joan moving to Deltona, Volusia County, Florida.
In Florida, Joan obtained work with Stromberg Carlson manufacturing telephones. She went on to work for US Cold Storage in Orlando, eventually becoming the office manager. She was able to purchase her first home in DeBary, Florida.
Once her oldest son had graduated college in 1974, she sold her DeBary home and moved to Orlando to be closer to work. Unfortunately, the company was sold to a foreign-based corporation and many of the office staff, including Joan, were laid off. Her next job was as a surgical scheduler with Jewett Orthopedic Clinic in Winter Park. While working at Jewett, Joan suffered a stroke, leaving her unable to continue working in high-stress positions. She remained in Orlando with her youngest two children. Eventually, she would return to work helping with scheduling pets for grooming at Fifi's of DeBary.
Her oldest son, William. Married in 1985. Joan's first grandchild, Zachary Alexander, was born in 1986. In 1988, Wayne adopted a son, Michael Alexander, who had been born in 1979. Much to Joan's delight her first granddaughter, Suzannah Elizabeth, was born in 1989. In 1990 Joan helped by babysitting William's two children as their parents worked. She would take the kids to baseball practice, dance classes, scout meetings, or swim team practices. In 1995, Brain's first child, Jesse Devon was born. His second child, Jasmine, followed in 2001.
In 2002 Joan, who had sold her home in Orlando and returned to DeBary to reside, started caring for her elderly parents. Her mother died in March of 2004 and her father followed in June of the same year. Joan moved into their old home in Deltona.
Throughout this time Joan continued an active social life. She sang in the church choir and played cards, including bunko, canasta, and gin. She enjoyed painting and doing crafts such as turning seashells into roses or making placemats on a loom. She also treasured her dogs.
Joan was initially diagnosed with dementia in 2009. She hid that fact from her family. She stopped driving and relied on her sons to take her shopping or run errands. In August 2014, it became evident she was having difficulty managing her daily life. Upset by his mother's use of oxycodone, William began going with her to doctor appointments. By October of 2014, William had switched his mother to a doctor specializing in geriatrics. It was at this point the family became aware of her diagnosis of dementia.
Initially, Joan was able to stay in her home. William arranged for Senior Services to provide cleaning and health aides. In August 2015, Joan was hospitalized, and the doctors recommended Rehab to be followed by Assisted Living. Fortunately, William was able to get Joan into Good Samaritan Society Florida Lutheran (Now known as Blue Palms) in DeLand, Florida. By Thanksgiving, Joan was in her new apartment with furnishings she had helped pick as well as familiar items from her home.
Joan's 85th Birthday was marked with a party in her honor at the Stockyard Restaurant in DeLand, Florida. One of her sons, two of her grandchildren, and three of her great-grandchildren were in attendance. Joan Portner Zimmerman, her best friend from high school, attended with her daughter Barbara.
In August 2016 she suffered a series of heart attacks and strokes, necessitating her transfer to skilled care. She continued her interest in singing. She also enjoyed playing Bingo. The Activities Department sought to involve her in various projects from delivering mail to helping decorate for holidays. In October 2019, Joan was moved into Palliative Care with Halifax Hospice. She remained in their care through her demise on December 6, 2023.
Joan is survived by her sons: William (Gene L Thompson II), Winter Park, FL, Wayne, Butner, NC, and Brian, Lake Helen, FL. She has five grandchildren: Zachary Cavins (Erica) Michael Cavins, Suzannah (Nicholas Seibert), Jesse and Jasmine Podunavac. Six great-grandchildren: Landon, Caleb, Andrew, Nathan, Railynn, and Jameson. Her brothers Andrew (Ellen) Witkowski, Pittsburgh, PA, and Clair (Betty) Witkowski, Ligonier, PA, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Joan's funeral liturgy will be celebrated at Abiding Presence Faith Community, 4605 Curry Ford Road, Orlando, FL 32812. Her cremains will be inurned at Enterprise Evergreen Cemetery, Deltona, Florida.
Joan Elizabeth Witkowski was born on the 15th of May 1933 at Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. She was the first child born to the late Verna Thelma Louise Pearson and Joseph John Witkowski after several miscarriages. She would eventually be joined by two brothers, Andrew Francis (1936) and Clair Joseph (1942). Originally the family resided in Hays. By 1935 the family had moved to Session Street before building their family home across the street at #912. That home is currently owned by Joan's niece, Patricia, and her husband Dennis Snyder.
Joan was educated in the Roman Catholic school system attending Holy Angels School in Hays. It was at Holy Angels she was baptized, received her First Holy Communion, and was Confirmed. She would later attend St. Peter's High School in McKeesport, Pennsylvania making lifelong friendships including her best friend, Joan Zimmerman nee Portner.
Joan suffered several early illnesses in her life. At the age of 5, she contracted tuberculosis. Later as a teenager, she contracted polio which left her one leg usable but very weak. It delayed her high school graduation by one year.
In 1952 she was introduced by her brother, Andy, to Samuel James Cavins with whom Andy worked driving truckloads of things to West Virginia and Ohio. The couple married that same year. Their first son, William Robert was born on May 15, his mother's twentieth birthday present. The couple moved around living in Dravosburg, Little Washington, and Glassport. Their second son, Wayne Joseph, was born in 1958. The marriage ended at that time with a divorce being finalized in 1960.
Joan and her sons resided with her parents at the Session Street house during this time. She obtained work at the Credit Bureau in downtown Pittsburgh. She was introduced to Peter Podunavac in 1966. The couple married in 1967. Their son, Brain Peter, was born in 1968. The couple separated in 1969, with Joan moving to Deltona, Volusia County, Florida.
In Florida, Joan obtained work with Stromberg Carlson manufacturing telephones. She went on to work for US Cold Storage in Orlando, eventually becoming the office manager. She was able to purchase her first home in DeBary, Florida.
Once her oldest son had graduated college in 1974, she sold her DeBary home and moved to Orlando to be closer to work. Unfortunately, the company was sold to a foreign-based corporation and many of the office staff, including Joan, were laid off. Her next job was as a surgical scheduler with Jewett Orthopedic Clinic in Winter Park. While working at Jewett, Joan suffered a stroke, leaving her unable to continue working in high-stress positions. She remained in Orlando with her youngest two children. Eventually, she would return to work helping with scheduling pets for grooming at Fifi's of DeBary.
Her oldest son, William. Married in 1985. Joan's first grandchild, Zachary Alexander, was born in 1986. In 1988, Wayne adopted a son, Michael Alexander, who had been born in 1979. Much to Joan's delight her first granddaughter, Suzannah Elizabeth, was born in 1989. In 1990 Joan helped by babysitting William's two children as their parents worked. She would take the kids to baseball practice, dance classes, scout meetings, or swim team practices. In 1995, Brain's first child, Jesse Devon was born. His second child, Jasmine, followed in 2001.
In 2002 Joan, who had sold her home in Orlando and returned to DeBary to reside, started caring for her elderly parents. Her mother died in March of 2004 and her father followed in June of the same year. Joan moved into their old home in Deltona.
Throughout this time Joan continued an active social life. She sang in the church choir and played cards, including bunko, canasta, and gin. She enjoyed painting and doing crafts such as turning seashells into roses or making placemats on a loom. She also treasured her dogs.
Joan was initially diagnosed with dementia in 2009. She hid that fact from her family. She stopped driving and relied on her sons to take her shopping or run errands. In August 2014, it became evident she was having difficulty managing her daily life. Upset by his mother's use of oxycodone, William began going with her to doctor appointments. By October of 2014, William had switched his mother to a doctor specializing in geriatrics. It was at this point the family became aware of her diagnosis of dementia.
Initially, Joan was able to stay in her home. William arranged for Senior Services to provide cleaning and health aides. In August 2015, Joan was hospitalized, and the doctors recommended Rehab to be followed by Assisted Living. Fortunately, William was able to get Joan into Good Samaritan Society Florida Lutheran (Now known as Blue Palms) in DeLand, Florida. By Thanksgiving, Joan was in her new apartment with furnishings she had helped pick as well as familiar items from her home.
Joan's 85th Birthday was marked with a party in her honor at the Stockyard Restaurant in DeLand, Florida. One of her sons, two of her grandchildren, and three of her great-grandchildren were in attendance. Joan Portner Zimmerman, her best friend from high school, attended with her daughter Barbara.
In August 2016 she suffered a series of heart attacks and strokes, necessitating her transfer to skilled care. She continued her interest in singing. She also enjoyed playing Bingo. The Activities Department sought to involve her in various projects from delivering mail to helping decorate for holidays. In October 2019, Joan was moved into Palliative Care with Halifax Hospice. She remained in their care through her demise on December 6, 2023.
Joan is survived by her sons: William (Gene L Thompson II), Winter Park, FL, Wayne, Butner, NC, and Brian, Lake Helen, FL. She has five grandchildren: Zachary Cavins (Erica) Michael Cavins, Suzannah (Nicholas Seibert), Jesse and Jasmine Podunavac. Six great-grandchildren: Landon, Caleb, Andrew, Nathan, Railynn, and Jameson. Her brothers Andrew (Ellen) Witkowski, Pittsburgh, PA, and Clair (Betty) Witkowski, Ligonier, PA, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Joan's funeral liturgy will be celebrated at Abiding Presence Faith Community, 4605 Curry Ford Road, Orlando, FL 32812. Her cremains will be inurned at Enterprise Evergreen Cemetery, Deltona, Florida.
Joan was educated in the Roman Catholic school system attending Holy Angels School in Hays. It was at Holy Angels she was baptized, received her First Holy Communion, and was Confirmed. She would later attend St. Peter's High School in McKeesport, Pennsylvania making lifelong friendships including her best friend, Joan Zimmerman nee Portner.
Joan suffered several early illnesses in her life. At the age of 5, she contracted tuberculosis. Later as a teenager, she contracted polio which left her one leg usable but very weak. It delayed her high school graduation by one year.
In 1952 she was introduced by her brother, Andy, to Samuel James Cavins with whom Andy worked driving truckloads of things to West Virginia and Ohio. The couple married that same year. Their first son, William Robert was born on May 15, his mother's twentieth birthday present. The couple moved around living in Dravosburg, Little Washington, and Glassport. Their second son, Wayne Joseph, was born in 1958. The marriage ended at that time with a divorce being finalized in 1960.
Joan and her sons resided with her parents at the Session Street house during this time. She obtained work at the Credit Bureau in downtown Pittsburgh. She was introduced to Peter Podunavac in 1966. The couple married in 1967. Their son, Brain Peter, was born in 1968. The couple separated in 1969, with Joan moving to Deltona, Volusia County, Florida.
In Florida, Joan obtained work with Stromberg Carlson manufacturing telephones. She went on to work for US Cold Storage in Orlando, eventually becoming the office manager. She was able to purchase her first home in DeBary, Florida.
Once her oldest son had graduated college in 1974, she sold her DeBary home and moved to Orlando to be closer to work. Unfortunately, the company was sold to a foreign-based corporation and many of the office staff, including Joan, were laid off. Her next job was as a surgical scheduler with Jewett Orthopedic Clinic in Winter Park. While working at Jewett, Joan suffered a stroke, leaving her unable to continue working in high-stress positions. She remained in Orlando with her youngest two children. Eventually, she would return to work helping with scheduling pets for grooming at Fifi's of DeBary.
Her oldest son, William. Married in 1985. Joan's first grandchild, Zachary Alexander, was born in 1986. In 1988, Wayne adopted a son, Michael Alexander, who had been born in 1979. Much to Joan's delight her first granddaughter, Suzannah Elizabeth, was born in 1989. In 1990 Joan helped by babysitting William's two children as their parents worked. She would take the kids to baseball practice, dance classes, scout meetings, or swim team practices. In 1995, Brain's first child, Jesse Devon was born. His second child, Jasmine, followed in 2001.
In 2002 Joan, who had sold her home in Orlando and returned to DeBary to reside, started caring for her elderly parents. Her mother died in March of 2004 and her father followed in June of the same year. Joan moved into their old home in Deltona.
Throughout this time Joan continued an active social life. She sang in the church choir and played cards, including bunko, canasta, and gin. She enjoyed painting and doing crafts such as turning seashells into roses or making placemats on a loom. She also treasured her dogs.
Joan was initially diagnosed with dementia in 2009. She hid that fact from her family. She stopped driving and relied on her sons to take her shopping or run errands. In August 2014, it became evident she was having difficulty managing her daily life. Upset by his mother's use of oxycodone, William began going with her to doctor appointments. By October of 2014, William had switched his mother to a doctor specializing in geriatrics. It was at this point the family became aware of her diagnosis of dementia.
Initially, Joan was able to stay in her home. William arranged for Senior Services to provide cleaning and health aides. In August 2015, Joan was hospitalized, and the doctors recommended Rehab to be followed by Assisted Living. Fortunately, William was able to get Joan into Good Samaritan Society Florida Lutheran (Now known as Blue Palms) in DeLand, Florida. By Thanksgiving, Joan was in her new apartment with furnishings she had helped pick as well as familiar items from her home.
Joan's 85th Birthday was marked with a party in her honor at the Stockyard Restaurant in DeLand, Florida. One of her sons, two of her grandchildren, and three of her great-grandchildren were in attendance. Joan Portner Zimmerman, her best friend from high school, attended with her daughter Barbara.
In August 2016 she suffered a series of heart attacks and strokes, necessitating her transfer to skilled care. She continued her interest in singing. She also enjoyed playing Bingo. The Activities Department sought to involve her in various projects from delivering mail to helping decorate for holidays. In October 2019, Joan was moved into Palliative Care with Halifax Hospice. She remained in their care through her demise on December 6, 2023.
Joan is survived by her sons: William (Gene L Thompson II), Winter Park, FL, Wayne, Butner, NC, and Brian, Lake Helen, FL. She has five grandchildren: Zachary Cavins (Erica) Michael Cavins, Suzannah (Nicholas Seibert), Jesse and Jasmine Podunavac. Six great-grandchildren: Landon, Caleb, Andrew, Nathan, Railynn, and Jameson. Her brothers Andrew (Ellen) Witkowski, Pittsburgh, PA, and Clair (Betty) Witkowski, Ligonier, PA, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Joan's funeral liturgy will be celebrated at Abiding Presence Faith Community, 4605 Curry Ford Road, Orlando, FL 32812. Her cremains will be inurned at Enterprise Evergreen Cemetery, Deltona, Florida.
