Joan DeRosa's Obituary
Joan Kelly DeRosa, age 91, of West Mifflin PA (formerly of Donora PA), passed peacefully with her family on Sunday, January 9, 2022. Wife of 69 years to her beloved husband Nick DeRosa. Mother of Mary Ellen (Arnold) Rotruck, Debbie (Robert) Dukic, Lora (Ken) Rochester and preceded in death by her beloved son, A.J. DeRosa. Grandmother of 7 grandchildren, Megan (Alex) Poplawsky, Kelly (Greg) Huff, Dana ( Ben) Werner, Adam (Claire) Rotruck, Alex Rotruck, Sara Rochester, and John Rochester. Great-grandmother of 7 great grandchildren Scarlett, Eve, Brooks, Bennett, Nate, Jaxson, and Levi. Sister of the late Arthur Kelly and sisters in-law, Lois Kelly, and the late Norma (DeRosa) Rach. Daughter of her late Regis Kelly and Loretta Fesemeyer Kelly. Joan is also survived by many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Joan was a graduate of Donora High School in Donora, Pennsylvania. While there, she was a cheerleader and even landed the lead role in her class play. This is where she met the love of her life, Nick (Perk). She graduated from Mercy School of Nursing as an R.N. After marrying her high school sweetheart, they moved to North Carolina, where Nick was stationed as a Marine. Joan worked as a nurse at Mon Valley School, Head Start, and Family Practice. She often played the role of the neighborhood nurse, too. As one of the founding members of Holy Spirit Church, Joan has a strong relationship with God and dedicated a lot of her time as a CCD teacher and a Eucharistic minister. Among all of these things, she was also an active member of the Lebanon Women's Club, where she served on the Scholarship Committee. Other hobbies included playing cards in four different card clubs and golfing. Joan continued her passion for life during her retirement as she enjoyed traveling with family and friends. Some of their travel adventures landed them in Italy, Ireland, Hawaii, Alaska, Bermuda and the Caribbean. They also spent 15 years as snow birds in Florida during the winter months. Joan was involved in many wonderful activities, but time with her adoring family was her absolute favorite.
Family and friends are welcomed on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 from 2 pm to 4 pm and 6 pm to 8 pm at the Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home, 301 Curry Hollow Road. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, January 13 at 10 am at Triumph of the Holy Cross Parish, Holy Spirit worship site, 2603 Old Elizabeth Rd., West Mifflin, PA 15122.
Interment at Lebanon Church Cemetery next to her dear son A.J.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Joan to UPMC Mercy School of Nursing, 1401 Boulevard of the Allies, Pittsburgh PA 15219, 412-232-7950.
Online condolences may be shared at www.jeffersonmemorial.com
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