Miss Joanne Swigart of Butler, PA passed away peacefully early Wednesday morning, December 30, 2020, at her residence at Concordia Lutheran Ministries in Cabot, PA.
Joanne was born the last of 7 children in Vowinckel, PA in Clarion County. She was a member of The Presbyterian Church of Prospect, 115 Church Street, Prospect, PA. 16052.
Joanne graduated from Butler High School, then Slippery Rock University with a major in Elementary Education,. Her education continued with two years at University of Denver with a Major in Library Science, a year at the University of Pittsburgh , two years at the University of California, Major in Education, summer back to Slippery Rock, Major Remedial Reading, and lastly five summer’s for her Master’s Degree in Education. She was highly trained to be a teacher of elementary students and Librarian. For a time she lived on an Indian reservation, in New Mexico and Arizona and taught with joy young American Indian children. She also taught young Vietnamese, Cambodian and Spanish-American children as well as children of migrant workers. Education was very important to Joanne and she passed this on to her students. She was an avid reader. After retiring or moving into another area, she received many accolades citing her teaching skills, her caring about her students, and her lively personality. If an opportunity presented itself, they would love to have her return to the classroom or the Library.
Joanne was a very determined lady, and she lived her life her way. In younger years Joanne was very athletic enjoying participating in many sports! If you were Joanne’s friend, you had a friend for life.
Surviving are her nieces and nephews; Valerie Swigart of Pittsburgh, PA., Garrison Swigart of Newport, NC, Lynn Large of Butler, PA, Deborah Burgun, Diane Beauchamp and Jeffrey FIsher, all of Newark, De, Susan Swigart of Virginia Beach, VA and Amy and Joel Swigart both of Butler, PA.
Joanne is the last surviving member of her family. Preceding her in passing to their greater reward: Her parents: Alfred and Anna (Hetrick) Swigart. Her siblings: Alfred Swigart, Herman Swigart, Lucetta Fisher, Nettie Swigart, and 2 infant brothers. Also her constant companion for many years, her cute Pomerania Doodle Danny preceded her in death just a few months before Joanne.
As Joanne would say: “let’s get this show on the road”. Advice from this delightful fun lady would be: Always be kind to young and old, people of color, and those who for whatever reason have nothing to give back. Just Love, love, love!
In addition to her family, those left to cherish her memories are Stan and Cecelia Dodds , Pete Bryan, Lynn Busch, Ellie Lojek, Irene Maser, Duke and Fonda Snyder, Bob and Stacey Wolinski, Bob and Mary Fisher and Pastor Steve Cort. These kind and caring folks helped Joanne to have an independent life.
Visitation for Joanne will be held on Saturday, January 9, 2021 from 11:00 am until the time of service at 1:00 pm at Presbyterian Church of Prospect, 115 Church Street, Prospect, PA. 16052.
Burial will take place at North Side Cemetery, Butler, PA. Family and friends are invited to attend.
Please wear a mask, practice social distance, and plan to honor Joanne.
Memorials for Joanne can be made to The Presbyterian Church of Prospect, 115 Church Street, Prospect, PA. 16052.
As we say goodbye to our Joanne, she would tell us she has “Gone Up Stairs.”
Thompson-Miller Funeral Home, 124 East North St., Butler, PA 16001 is assisting the family with arrangements.
Online condolences can be given at www.thompson-miller.com.