Joanne Bok, 83, formerly of 606 Barker Ave passed away at Jameson Care Center in Neshannock Township Sunday morning. Mrs. Bok was born in New Castle. She was the daughter of Chester & Frances (Blazejewski) Mateja who preceded her in death as well as her siblings Betty Mateja Kupec and Chester Mateja. Joanne was a cancer and COVID survivor.
Joanne shared 60 years with her husband, Joseph Bok. She was a devout Catholic & belonged to Holy Trinity Church. She graduated at the top of her class from Choffin School of Practical Nursing. She had an expansive career working at Reliable Luggage, New Model Bakery, New Castle Parking Company, North & Southside hospitals. Additionally, she worked at St. Francis hospital for many years where she furthered her education and became certified to operate EEGs and EKGs on top of earning an LPN degree from YSU. Joanne was an avid volunteer for the Red Cross driving a van to Dixmont Hospital where she also spent time caring for and interacting with patients.
Socially she was a member of the Polish Falcons and took great pride in her heritage replicating Wigilia (Christmas Eve dinner) and loved dancing and listening to polkas. Joanne always enjoyed having a cup of coffee with company and loved to talk about her memories of her childhood. She was a passionate baker and took satisfaction in being able to create a wide array of confectionary treats as anyone could attest to. No one would ever leave a visit with Joanne empty handed.
Joanne is survived by three daughters and was most proud of each one of them. Christine Anne Bok, Diane Louise Bok, and Jo Anne (Bok) Altmyer (Michael). She felt incredibly blessed to have Lisa McCoy in her life. Joanne cared for Lisa from an infant and through her guidance, Joanne was able to watch Lisa transition into a beautiful, successful, strong woman, and mother.
Her grandchildren Zachary, Madison, Michael Altmyer and Elianna McCoy were her greatest blessing. Her grandchildren always brought joy to her face. Anyone who knew Joanne would have seen clearly how important family was to her and how the happiness of her children and grandchildren was the purpose of her life. She possessed an uncommonly generous heart and was always willing to give her time, money and help those who were in need.
Her family will miss her and will be long remembered for being “Babcia”, the loving, generous, softhearted, funny, and witty wife mother, and grandmother who was the matriarch of the family. Not a day shall pass where her memory isn’t cherished or where her kindness will not be missed.
A private ceremony will be held on Saturday at 11 am on April 17, 2021 at Noga Funeral Home. There will be a committal service that will take place at Madonna Cemetery immediately following the ceremony.
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