Joanne Galardy
November 16, 1950 - January 25, 2022
Visitation: No Visitation
Service: A celebration of Joanne's life will be held at a later date.
Joanne Eileen Galardy (Burke)
Age 71, born to Mary and William Burke from Butler PA, passed away on January 25, 2022 after a long illness. She is survived by her husband of 46 years, Robert, and daughters, Ellen and Elizabeth. Joanne graduated from Butler High School, La Roche College, and earned her teacher’s certification from Smith College. She later completed her principal certification and a master’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh. Joanne taught at many schools, including her favorite job teaching English at Shuman Center. She was the assistant principal at Knoch Middle School and principal of Knoch High School. When Bob retired, she returned to teaching at Riverside High School so that they could spend their summers together. They enjoyed traveling, boating, and dining out. Like her mother, Joanne enjoyed gardening, reading, and shopping with her daughters. In retirement, she also worked as an educational consultant for several years.
Joanne cherished her family, her friends, and her students. She was known for being creative, insightful, and funny. She was also passionate in all her endeavors, through all the stages of her life. She will be missed by many.
No viewing will be offered, but a remembrance event will be planned in the future. In memory of her generous spirit, donations can be directed to a charity to benefit vulnerable children.
Bob
You Ellen and Liz take care of each other. Share your stories, share your grief.
So sorry for your loss.
Takes time to heal. Take all the time you need.
Sincerely,
Doug and Rose Anne
When I think of Joanne, I remember her elegance, her radiance, her sense of humor, her warmth. To Robert, Ellen, and Liz, please accept my deepest condolences for your tremendous loss.
Bob Ellen and Liz so very sorry for your loss remembering many visits when the kids were young.
With sympathy Karl and Terri
Mrs. Galardy was an amazing person and a true inspiration. Her dedication to and love for her students was outshone only by her love for her family. We are honored to have known her, and getting to work with her was a joy.
Ms. Galardy meant a great deal to my husband, David, and was so kind to my family. She will be sorely missed.
To a beautiful lady that I’ve known since high school and later on when she would join several of our classmates for dinner. She will be missed. My deepest sympathy goes out to her family and loved ones. Go fly with the angels Joanne.
I am deeply saddened for all of you.
I have such great memories of Joanne, because we were neighbors and classmates all through St. Paul’s and Butler High School.
Sending prayers and sympathies to her family, and I know she will be missed by many. RIP Joanne💓
I enjoyed the privilege of being taught English by Joanne Galardy at Mount Alvernia High School. She was inspiring as she led us in discussion of books by one of her favorite authors, Jane Austen.
I will never forget her pulling me aside to discuss a recent writing assignment she gave our class and encouraged me to become a writer. I took her advice to heart and have enjoyed a long career in journalism and creative writing. I am not sure I would have had such a career if it were not for Joanne, a true mentor and friend.
When she attended our class reunions many years after graduation, she remained a true inspiration to all of us who knew her.
Joanne was blessed with many gifts including her deep concern for others and her kindness and sense of humor. She was a popular teacher with her students, which is very easy to understand. I always felt she was teaching us so much more than the rudimentary lesson, going deeper, and in the process, providing us with many rich life lessons that would prove invaluable as we moved on to our futures.
She was a true angel in this life, and I am sure she continues her mission of inspiration and role modeling in the next life.
Please advise when there is a celebration of Joanne’s life. I would very much like to attend.
Thank you for this opportunity to leave a message for a very special woman.
What a tremendous friend and dedicated professional. A mentor to many young educators, including our daughter, Kristen.
Deepest sympathy to Bob and daughters.
So sorry for the families loss. She will be remembered as a kind and generous soul.