Mary "Joan" VonHoene

Mary “Joan” VonHoene, 96, passed away on Thursday October 27, 2022.  She was born in Pittsburgh, a daughter of the late Robert H. and Martha (Sauer) VonHoene.  She resided in Edgewood Acres in Forest Hills her entire life.  She attended Atlantic Avenue grade school, in Forest Hills and graduated from Sacred Heart High School.  She attended Seton Hill University from 1944 to 1946, where she joined the Alpha Delta Pi sorority.  She then transferred to the University of Pittsburgh, graduating in 1948 with a Bachelor’s Degree in mathematics and physics.  She continued at Pitt until 1952 studying physics and languages.  She obtained her Master’s Degree in Physics in 1954 from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor.  She worked for Westinghouse as a Research Engineer until 1964, with publications of her work appearing in various trade magazines.  In subsequent years, she enjoyed traveling, skiing and studying French at the Sorbonne for a year.  She was the companion and sole caretaker for our mother throughout her life.  Joan was active in her community and drove the Flivver for a number of years.  She loved classical music and was a devoted usher for the Pittsburgh Philharmonic.  As her varied life went on, she also enjoyed many years as an Associate at Horne’s Downtown.  She was preceded in death by her siblings, Lois (Harry) Donahue and Robert (Sally) VonHoene.  Joan is survived by her brother Paul and his wife Barbara VonHoene of Virginia; she was a devoted Aunt to her many nieces and nephews, especially her goddaughter, Laura VonHoene Hanff.  Family and friends will be received from 3-5 pm on Sunday at the Robert P. Karish Funeral Home, Brinton Rd. and Fourth Street, Braddock Hills (412) 271-3430.  Mass of Christian burial will be held on Monday at 10:00 at St. Maurice Church of St. Joseph the Worker Parish, 2001 Ardmore Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA  15221.  Everyone please meet at church.  Interment to follow in All Saints Braddock Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to LGAR Home, 800 Elsie Street, Turtle Creek, PA 15145 or to St. Joseph the Worker Parish, 2001 Ardmore Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA  15221.  www.karishfh.com.

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