Joanne Staroschak

JoAnne was born in Zolocziw, Ukraine on July 5, 1922. She received a certification with the Montessori Education Program in Ukraine and served there as a grade school teacher. She arrived in America in 1947 where she settled in her new hometown: McKees Rocks, Pa. Constantly involved, JoAnne also served as vice president of the United Ukrainian Orthodox Sisterhood of America. In 1987 she organized a similar sisterhood in Curtiba, Brazil. For 50 years, she belonged to "Souyuzukrainok" Ukrainian Women's League of America, Branch 27 in Pittsburgh; for 35 of those years she served as their press secretary. In recognition of her active Ukrainian cultural life, JoAnne was chosen and honored in the year 2000 by the Pittsburgh Ukrainian Technological Society as "Ukrainian Woman of the Year". Upon her death of her husband, JoAnne moved to Arkansas to be with family there. She was preceded in death by her husband, Metro in 2004 with whom she shared her love of Ukrainian culture, tradition and society for 54 years. At the viewing, Szals Funeral Home in McKees Rocks, Pa. will present ongoing slide photos of JoAnne's life. It is with heavy sadness that she leaves those closest to her, namely her son, Myron; daughter-in-law, Karen; grandchildren, Christina and Natalie; daughter, Zenovia with husband, Michael; as well as other remaining relatives, including those in her homeland Ukraine.