Joann I. Rooker

JoAnn I. Rooker, 93, of 1072 Million Dollar Highway, St. Marys, passed away peacefully with her family by her side, Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at Elk Haven Nursing Home.

She was born June 14, 1931, in St. Marys, daughter to the late Sebastian and Mary Gardner Young.  She was a lifelong resident of the area, a graduate of Kersey High School, Class of 1950, and a former employee of Stackpole Carbon Company.

On November 11, 1950, in the St. Mary’s Monastery, JoAnn married Raymond E. Rooker, who survives.  They were blessed to share seventy-four years of marriage.

In addition to her loving husband, she is survived by a daughter, Mary Gerg (B.C.) of St. Marys; four sons: Michael Rooker (Kathy) of Dagus Mines, Philip Rooker (Ruth) of Kersey, Raymond Rooker (Connie) of Kersey, and Jack Rooker (Jacqueline) of Toby; eighteen grandchildren; thirty-two great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; a special niece, Dolores Miller, who was like another daughter to JoAnn and numerous nieces and nephews.

Along with her parents, JoAnn was preceded in death by a daughter, Patricia Rooker; two grandchildren: Michael Rezmerski and Greg Rooker; six sisters: Alice Kennedy, Regina Meyer, Beulah Hooven, Rosemary Wolfe, Lucille Nelson, and Ester Maloney; and six brothers: Charles, James, Walter, Sebastian, Richard, and in infancy, David Young.

JoAnn was a member of Sacred Heart Church.  She was an avid reader and a tremendous cook and baker.  JoAnn loved riding her motorcycle with Ray.  They would go on long rides together, enjoying the scenery.  She found the most joy spending time with her family especially her grandchildren.

Visitation will be held in the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home, 169 Center Street, St. Marys, PA 15857 on Saturday, May 3, 2025 from 11:00AM until 12:30PM.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in the Sacred Heart Church on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 1:00PM with Rev. Thomas Curry, O.S.B., celebrating.  Burial will be in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.

Memorial donations, if desired, may be made to Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation, 8815 Conroy Windermere Road, Suite 309, Orlando, FL 32835.