Joan (Joanie) Teresa Ross (née Manzella), 75, of Upper St. Clair passed away suddenly on March 14, 2023. She was a nurse for 50 years, taking pride in her job that helped so many people. Joanie was a devout member of St. Louise de Marillac Church for 36 years, where she attended daily mass and taught CCD.
Born on February 20, 1948, to the late Anthony and Sadie Manzella, Joanie grew up surrounded by family and cousins who were her best friends. She married her loving husband, Peter, in 1978. For 45 years, they grew their family and built a beautiful life together full of love and devotion.
Besides Peter, Joanie is also survived by her siblings, Anna (the late James) Jones, Joe (Kathleen), John (Bilu) and Michael (Cheryl). She raised three children, Nicole (David), Domenick and Jonathan (Amber). She was a devoted grandmother (or Gaga) to Aleah, Mayah, Gia and Juliana (arriving soon). Joanie was also a beloved friend, cousin, godmother, aunt and great-aunt to many.
Surviving breast cancer twice, Joanie continued to lead a very colorful life full of perseverance and love. She cherished every chance she had to see her granddaughters, spending years driving to Cleveland on a weekly basis to babysit. You would frequently catch her in the audience at dance recitals and on the sidelines at soccer games. Unsurprising to those who knew her, Joanie was always the first on the dance floor at weddings, a voracious reader who enjoyed true stories, and a wonderful storyteller. Some of her best memories were spent traveling with family to Ocean City and Disney World. Joanie was a lifelong member of the Bella Vista lodge of the Italian Sons and Daughters of America.
Visiting hours will be Monday, March 20, from 4 p.m.-8 p.m. at Beinhauer Funeral Home in McMurray, PA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Catherine of Laboure Parish, St. Louise de Marillac Church on Tuesday, March 21, at 10:30 a.m. Immediately following mass, burial will take place at Allegheny Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (http://www.bcrf.org/). Please add or view tributes at www.beinhauer.com.
