DONOVAN

JOANNE WIATER

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, 2025, 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'sdegree 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 ofseveral committees. At Clarion State College, she was a member of the Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority where she was a chair ofmany events.

Friends are invited to share happy memories of Joanne at DEVLIN FUNERAL HOME, 806 Perry Highway, Pittsburgh, PA 15229 on Thursday, February 27, 2025, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Teresa of Avila Church, 1000 Avila Court, Pittsburgh, PA 15237 on Friday, February 28, 2025, at 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may 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.