Joanne Leptinsky
February 16, 1937 — January 27, 2014
JOANNE (STANA) LEPTINSKY
Joanne Carol Leptinsky, age 76, died on Monday, January 27, 2014. She was born at home in Smock, Pennsylvania on February 16, 1937, the third child of five girls, to Frank J. and Katherine Veronica (Kotlar) Stana. She graduated in 1955 from Uniontown High School in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, worked as a secretary at Westinghouse in Large (now Jefferson Hills, Pennsylvania), and settled in the Elizabeth, Pennsylvania area where she and her late husband, Edward James Leptinsky (dod: April 9, 1995) raised their family.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by three sisters, Betty Shrum, Dorothy Sofish and Frances Eileen Stana. Joanne is survived by her two children, son, Mark (and wife, Kathi) Leptinsky of Upper St. Clair, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and daughter, Laureen (and husband Michael) Costa of Old Greenwich, Connecticut; two grandchildren, Sarah and Luke Leptinsky; one sister, Dolly (the late Dr. Walter J.) Myslewski of Greensburg; Pennsylvania and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; all of whom she loved widely, deeply and unequivocally
Joanne lived a Christian life. She was a member of St. Perpetua Catholic Church in McKeesport, Pennsylvania followed by St. Michael Catholic Church in Elizabeth Township, an office volunteer at Jefferson Hospital, supporter of veterans, and creator of numerous crocheted lap blankets. She loved to dance. Whether it was frequent wedding polkas, weekly line dancing or simply whenever the mood suited at home, Joanne had happy feet. She enjoyed sports, both as participant – a league bowler for many years, or as exuberant spectator - she was a knowledgeable and resolute Pittsburgh Pirates baseball fan. Grateful when others would cook, she was a meticulous baker and her apple pies were legendary.
She relished games. The daily newspaper brought crossword puzzles and Sudoku. Weeknights and weekends brought many games with friends. Her great joy was not winning, but challenge – she was a tireless and cheerful competitor. She enjoyed many winters with friends and family in Florida, where her schedule of dinners, dancing, concerts and – of course – games left little time for relaxing. While she also traveled internationally, her happiest trips were always those returning home to her proud Pittsburgh.
Family and friends will be received from 2 – 4 and 6 – 8 PM on Thursday and Friday in Stephen D. Slater Funeral Home 1701 Route 51 (Large) in Jefferson Hills. A funeral prayer will be held in the funeral home on Saturday at 9 AM followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10 AM in St. Michael Catholic Church, with Father Thomas Wagner celebrating the Mass. Her burial will be in Sylvan Heights Cemetery in Uniontown.
Flowers and/or contributions to Disabled American Veterans, PO Box 14301 Cincinnati, Ohio 45250 are welcome.