Obituary for Joan Elizabeth Decato (Foss)
Age 70, of McMurray, PA, passed away on January 11, 2023 after a brief and unexpected battle with cancer. Joan was born on March 30, 1952 to Kern and Marion (Reed) Foss in Bangor, Maine. After graduating from Bangor High School in 1970, she went on to study Elementary Education at the University of Maine. After graduation, she landed her first job as a second grade teacher in Pittsfield, Maine. She taught in many different school districts between Maine, Massachusetts and Upper St. Clair, PA, with a focus in Special Education until her retirement. While working her summers in the resorts of Southern Maine, she met Herbert C. Decato, Jr., and they wed in October of 1977, going on to have two children, Nicole (DiMarco) and Reed. They raised their children for twelve years in North Attleboro, MA before relocating and settling in Upper St. Clair, PA in 1997. She dedicated her life to being a devoted and wonderful mother and a lifelong friend to many. Joan excelled at supporting her family and friends through the many passions and difficulties in life. Being a proud New Englander, Joan always loved returning to the coast of Maine for her summer vacations to visit friends and family. She made it her mission to improve the lives of others with her sunny disposition.
Joan was a member of the St. Louise de Marillac Ladies of Charity, and when she wasn’t filling her home with warmth and kindness, she can be found volunteering at church, playing canasta with her friends, or her favorite past time, doting on her two granddaughters, Sophia and Cece DiMarco. She was predeceased by her parents, Kern and Marion Foss, and her sister, Judith Messer. She is survived by her loving husband of 45 years, Herbert Decato, her brother Robert Foss and his wife Marilyn of Minneapolis, MN, her daughter Nicole and her husband Ross DiMarco of Venetia, PA, her son Reed Decato of Robinson Twp., PA and her granddaughters, Sophia and Cecilia DiMarco. As a woman of faith, she touched the lives of so many people; she will truly be missed and never forgotten.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 19th at Beinhauer Funeral Home, 2828 Washington Rd., McMurray PA from 2-4pm and 6-8pm. A funeral service will be held on Friday, January 20th at Crossroads Church - Pittsburgh South, 1120 Boyce Road, Upper St. Clair, PA at 11am with a luncheon immediately following at the church. Please view or add tributes at www.beinhauer.com.
Joan was a member of the St. Louise de Marillac Ladies of Charity, and when she wasn’t filling her home with warmth and kindness, she can be found volunteering at church, playing canasta with her friends, or her favorite past time, doting on her two granddaughters, Sophia and Cece DiMarco. She was predeceased by her parents, Kern and Marion Foss, and her sister, Judith Messer. She is survived by her loving husband of 45 years, Herbert Decato, her brother Robert Foss and his wife Marilyn of Minneapolis, MN, her daughter Nicole and her husband Ross DiMarco of Venetia, PA, her son Reed Decato of Robinson Twp., PA and her granddaughters, Sophia and Cecilia DiMarco. As a woman of faith, she touched the lives of so many people; she will truly be missed and never forgotten.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 19th at Beinhauer Funeral Home, 2828 Washington Rd., McMurray PA from 2-4pm and 6-8pm. A funeral service will be held on Friday, January 20th at Crossroads Church - Pittsburgh South, 1120 Boyce Road, Upper St. Clair, PA at 11am with a luncheon immediately following at the church. Please view or add tributes at www.beinhauer.com.