Joanne Gasper

Joanne Gasper, 94, a resident of Brookdale Senior Living in Pittsburgh and formerly of St. Marys, passed away peacefully with her daughter by her side Tuesday, October 21, 2025 following a lengthy illness.

She was born November 22, 1930, in Emporium, daughter of the late George A. and Kathryn Davin Kinsler.  Joanne was a graduate of Emporium High School, Class of 1948, continued her education at the University of Buffalo, and earned her Master’s of Education from Penn State University. Joanne spent her working career as an elementary school teacher, where she touched countless young lives.  She retired from the St. Marys School District in 1992.

On August 25, 1956, in St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Emporium, she married George Gasper, who preceded her in death on October 4, 2021.  They were blessed to share 65 years of marriage together.

She is survived by her daughter, Julie Chiesa (Daniel) of Pittsburgh; two grandchildren: Brad Chiesa (Monika) and Eric Chiesa (Laura); five great-grandchildren: Brooklyn, Madeline, Ellena, Leona, and Mark; and a brother, George Kinsler of St. Marys.

In addition to her husband, Joanne was preceded in death by a great-granddaughter, Mary Theresa and a brother, Robert Kinsler.

Joanne was a devout parishioner and volunteer at Queen of the World Church.  In recent years, she enjoyed reading, spending time with friends, and taking part in the activities at Brookdale Senior Living.  Joanne was a loving mother and grandmother, and her smile would light up the room when spending time with her family.

Visitation will be held in the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home, 169 Center Street, St. Marys, PA 15857 on Tuesday, October 28, 2025 from 11:00AM until 12:30PM.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Queen of the World Church on Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at 1:00PM with Rev. Jeffery Noble, Pastor, celebrating.  Burial will follow in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.

Memorial donations, if desired, may be made to Queen of the World Church, 134 Queens Road, St. Marys, PA 15857 or to Bridges Hospice, 4130 Monroeville Boulevard, Monroeville, PA 15146.