It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of JoAnne Marie Valetich, who left us on Monday, August 12th, 2024. Born on November 27, 1939, in Sharon, Pennsylvania, daughter of Marija Vestic and Joseph Bacich.
She was destined to marry her loving husband Spike (Carl Valetich) of 60 years. Their paths first crossed when their mothers met in the maternity ward; and their journey together continued years later in a high school typing class after JoAnne switched schools.
JoAnne was the president of Young Nurses club in high school and worked as a telephone operator supervisor for Bell Telephone Company before starting her family.
She dedicated her life to her family, always putting the needs of others before her own. She is survived by her children: Carla Valetich, and her husband Andrew Leeb of Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Leslie Amendola, and her husband Jeremy of Doylestown, Pennsylvania; and Nicole Hanna, and her husband James of Hermitage, Pennsylvania. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Nicholas, Natalie, Lillian, Gabriel, Benjamin, Daisy, and Nathaniel, who were the pride and joy of her life. Her love and dedication to her family was evident in everything that she did from instilling a passion for reading and learning, to fueling a competitive spirit through playing games, to providing endless hugs and kisses. She taught us the true meaning of unconditional love and the importance of kindness.
In addition to caring for her family, JoAnne’s love of plants and gardening led her to selling Deco Plants and working at a local greenhouse. Her passion for gardening was evident by her colorful, well-tended gardens. Sitting on the patio with Spike, listening to music or their favorite radio talk shows, while admiring their beautiful yard, was her favorite pastime. She and Spike enjoyed entertaining friends and formed a gourmet group which grew into lifelong friendships. She was an excellent baker – her holiday nut roll was a favorite and turned into a seasonal business for her. She enjoyed sewing clothing for her daughters and their dolls, reupholstering furniture, and researching her family’s ancestry. She enjoyed her many years with her co-workers at Feldman Jewelers and loved interacting with customers, always with a smile.
Her legacy is not only carried on through her family but also through the countless lives she touched with her compassion and generosity. She leaves behind a void that can never be filled, but her spirit will forever remain in our hearts.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to Huff-Guthrie Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc., 312 West Park St. Franklin where friends are welcome from 10:30 - 11:30 A.M. Friday.
In celebration of JoAnne's life, a Funeral Mass will be held at Noon on Friday, August 16th at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church 949 Liberty St. Franklin, PA with Father James C. Campbell, officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the National MS Society, Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center, or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in her memory, reflecting her lifelong commitment to helping others.
Rest in peace, sweet JoAnne. Your love, wisdom, and light will continue to guide us, and your memory will be cherished forever.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.huffguthrie.com.
Friday, August 16, 2024
10:30 - 11:30 am (Eastern time)
Huff-Guthrie Funeral Home & Cremation Services
Friday, August 16, 2024
Starts at 12:00 pm (Eastern time)
St. Patrick Church
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