Joanne (Wiater) Donovan
August 09, 1951 - February 04, 2025
Visitation: Thursday, February 27, 2025, 2-4 & 6-8 p.m.; Devlin Funeral Home, Inc., Ross Twp.
Service: Friday, February 28, 2025, 10:30 a.m.; Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish, St. Teresa of Avila Church.
Joanne Wiater Donovan was a caring, loving sister, wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, friend, and neighbor, who, in return, was loved by everyone who knew her. Joanne, 73, died February 4 surrounded by family at her home in Ross Township.
During her lengthy illness, Joanne, 73, was primarily cared for by her devoted husband, Joseph P. Donovan, assisted by a long list of volunteering relatives, neighbors and friends.
Stanley and Clara Wiater raised Joanne and her five sisters on a farm in Cambridge Springs, Pa. She graduated from Clarion State College (now PennWest Clarion), where she met Joe, to whom she was married for 51 years. Joanne earned a Master’s degree in education from the University of Pittsburgh and taught elementary school at St. Teresa of Avila Grade School in the North Hills for eight years. She and Joe raised their three sons in the same house where they have lived for 47 years.
Joanne loved to organize family parties and reunions, and, after her illness limited her mobility, enjoyed them to their fullest, as family members gathered around her wheelchair to share family news. She especially enjoyed when it was raining men.
Three sons survive Joanne: Joseph (Virginia), John (Brianne) and Timothy (Vicky Gentile) Donovan. She was the grandmother of Gage Martin, Jonathan Martin (Lila), Gianna Donovan, Charlie Donovan, and James Donovan. She was the sister of the late Marie Faub (Donald), Rosalie Panza (Paul), Kathleen Scarpitti, Dolores Mayhue (Dale), and Marjorie Wiater. She leaves behind dozens of cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Joanne was a member of Perry Highland Women’s Club for more than 30 years, serving as club president and chair of several committees. At Clarion State College, she was a member of the Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority where she was a chair of many events.
Friends are invited to share happy memories of Joanne at Devlin Funeral Home, 806 Perry Highway, Pittsburgh, PA 15229 on Thursday, February 27th from 2-4pm and 6-8pm.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish, St. Teresa of Avila Church, 1000 Avila Court, Pittsburgh, PA 15237 on Friday, February 28th at 10:30am.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in the memory of Joanne to the North Hills Foundation, reflecting her passion and dedication to education over the years. All funds collected will be used to the K.I.N. (Kids in Need) Program – assisting students and families in financial need with necessities like food, clothing, Wi-Fi, academic expenses and school-related extracurricular expenses. Contributions can be sent to the North Hills Foundation, 135 Sixth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15229. Please note on the check “Joanne Donovan Memorial Fund.” Thank you for honoring their memory.
Joanne was such a lovely lady. So sorry to hear of her illness and passing. You and your whole family are in my prayers.
Remembering
I met Joanne many years ago through the Perry Highland Junior Women’s Club.
We moved from Pittsburgh over 30 years ago and Joanne’s spirit and kindness that touched my heart then still remains with me today.
She will be fondly remembered by many – many – many whose lives she has touched.
I am grateful for the friendship we shared then and throughout the years.
My sincere condolences to Joe and the entire family and circle of friends that are grieving their beautiful angel, Joanne.
Nancy Creedon
Such a wonderful woman and friend. She was a blessing to all
Joe and sons,
My deepest sympathy. Joanne’s beautiful light will never be extinguished because she touched everyone who knew her. God bless you and comfort you. Gloria Maurer
There is a consistent theme throughout Joanne’s obituary and messages from family and friends and that is this: She was loved by many…brave and strong…never gave up….LOVED her family and friends and had the best husband. My deepest sympathies to Joe, family and friends. Joanne truly WAS one of a kind and I am honored and humbled to have known her. I wish you all peace and comfort in the coming months, as you all know that is just what Joanne would want for you.
I hope you are dancing and singing and laughing….thank you for making this world better.
Joanne was a dear friend of our family, our sons grew up together, and I was blessed to be with Joanne almost every Sunday morning.
I will cherish those memories. She was truly a lovely woman. She will be missed, rest in peace sweetie.
Joe, Joe, John and Tim and family,
Our deepest sympathy in the loss of your beloved wife and mom. To know Joanne was to love her. We will forever treasure our memories of her kindness, loving heart and dancing to its raining men!
Joe was the most amazing husband and caregiver.
True love never dies. We are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. ♥️☘️
My love and my heart goes out to you all. My dear friend Joanne I will never forget you or our friendship in all those growing up years.You were always there. Prayers for peace and loving thoughts to Joe and boys and families.