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JoAnn Grace Mitarnowski, 86, of Altoona, passed away Tuesday at Garvey Manor Nursing Home, Hollidaysburg. She was born in Altoona, daughter of the late William S. and V. Grace (Langham) Parsons.
JoAnn attended Mercy School of Nursing, where she became a registered nurse. She began her career as an emergency nurse, where she had the opportunity to use her skills and provide critical care to those in need.
It was during her time as an emergency nurse that JoAnn met her late husband, Raymond Mitarnowski, who served as a state trooper. Their meeting sparked a beautiful love story that lasted until Raymond's passing on Aug. 29, 2009.
JoAnn took some time off from her nursing career to raise her family, devoting herself to the well-being and happiness of her three children. Her nurturing nature and selflessness were evident in every aspect of her life. Once her children had grown, JoAnn returned to Mercy Hospital, where she worked as a poison control nurse for 10 years.
Surviving are her three children: Cynthia Treese and her husband, Kevin, of Dubois; Paula Stoltz and her husband, Michael, of Duncansville; and David Mitarnowski and his wife, Melissa, of Knoxville, Tenn.; six grandchildren: Stephen, Korey, Matthew, Rachel, Sara and Evie.
In addition to her parents and husband, JoAnn was preceded in death by a brother, Jack Parsons.
JoAnn was not only a loving mother and grandmother, but she was also a woman of many talents and passions. She had a keen eye for quilting and spent countless hours creating beautiful quilts for her family. Her quilts were not just blankets -- they were works of art infused with love and thoughtfulness. JoAnn's quilts became treasured heirlooms, passed down through generations, and served as a tangible reminder of her love. In addition to quilting, JoAnn had a green thumb and found solace in gardening and working in her flower beds.
JoAnn will be remembered for her genuine kindness, her unyielding strength and her ability to make a positive impact on the lives of those around her. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of her loved ones, and her memory will be cherished forever.
Friends will be received from 11 a.m. until the funeral service at noon Saturday, June 3, 2023, at The Good Funeral Home Inc., 108 Alto-Reste Park, Altoona, with Pastor Steward McClelland officiating. Following the service, a special ceremony will be conducted by the Central PA Nurses Honor Guard to pay tribute to JoAnn's dedicated service as a nurse.
Interment will be held privately at Alto-Reste Park, Altoona.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made in JoAnn's memory to the Central PA Nurses Honor Guard; or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
An online guestbook may be signed and condolences sent to the family at thegoodfuneralhomeinc.com.