| Graduation Year | (unknown) |
| Date of Passing | Feb 23, 2018 |
| About | Joanne Koschak, 56, of Pittsburgh (Brighton Heights) died Friday February 23, 2018. We are devastated by the loss of our loving, unique, free-spirited Joanne. Survived by her mother, Marge Koschak; sisters Jyni/Virginia and Eileen Koschak (Dave), Paula Surgent; nephews Andy and Steve Surgent; niece Blythe Ikeda (Leo), great-nieces Andrea and Lydia, very special friend Paul Hoover, and beloved dog Jerry. Preceded in death by father Donald and great-niece Faith Lynn. Generous, kind, brilliant, talented, and beautiful, she had a special charisma and magnetism; anybody who knew Joanne loved her, even those she’d just met. “I am not here to be loved, I am here to love,” she has said. She was an artist with a tremendous eye for beauty, an amazing writer, and a gourmet cook. A voracious reader, she was always seeking knowledge and understanding. Highly spiritual, she had a deep love of art, music, dance, gardening, and nature. She loved children and befriended neighborhood kids with special activities. Fun-loving, she was always ready for adventure; she was also a prankster who loved a good joke. Her sensitive soul was troubled by injustice and cruelty; she was an advocate for human rights, animal rights, worker’s rights, the environment, and the mentally ill. Always there for those in crisis, she was willing to help as best she could: stray animals, stray people; she had a special place in her heart for the homeless. She volunteered at community organizations including animal rescue. A graduate of Point Park college, she studied journalism and theater. Highly industrious, she worked in many fine Pittsburgh restaurants while creating boutique candles and jewelry, and running her own antique business. Growing up in Ruffs Dale, she attended Yough High School, South Huntington High School, Yukon Junior High, Barren Run Elementary, and Seven Dolors Church.Joanne suffered from kidney disease, bipolar disorder, fibromyalgia, and arthritis. Her death leaves a tremendous void in those who knew her. She always brought so much love and flair to everything she did, nothing will ever be the same without her. Joanne always wanted to fly, and now she can! Friends will be received Friday in the funeral home from 9AM-9:45AM, the time of Blessing Service, followed by a Memorial Mass at 10AM in St. Rita RC Church with Fr. Bob Lubic as Celebrant. In lieu of flowers, memorials to: Make it OK, NAMI, Kidney Foundation, Animal Rescue. °sorry I do not know what year she graduated. |
