Joan C. 'JoAnn' Merritt

Mrs. Joan C. Merritt age 76, of Altoona, PA., died Friday evening after an extended illness. She was born in Altoona; she was the daughter of the late Michael and Anna (Saternus) Wojcik. She married Vernon H. Merritt on February 4, 1956 at Altoona. He preceded her in death on November 29, 1980. Survived by two daughters: Linda M. O'Brien and husband, Michael, and Veronica L. Weaver, both of Juniata, three sons: Joseph W., and wife, Robin of Altoona, Steven P., at home, and Mark M., of Juniata: 13 grandchildren: Christopher Miller, of Chelsea, MA. Sara Beth DeAntonio, of Edgeworth, Pa. Nichole Goheen, Stephanie Miller, Megan O'Brien, Heather Merritt, Dale Merritt Storm Brown, Mykala Merritt, Christine O'Brien, Cecilia Merritt, Mitchell Merritt, and Braden Merritt all of Altoona: 3 great grandchildren Baron Dionis, Seth Goheen, and Lucille O'Brien, all of Altoona; two sisters: Beatrice Dybus of Kearney NJ, Mary Yonkosky of Jessup, GA and two brothers: Joseph Wojcik of Tucson, AZ, Michael of Kearney, NJ. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Louis, Frank, James, Thomas, and William Wojcik. She was a graduate of Altoona High School class of 1950. Jo Ann retired from Barton's Candies in 1994. JoAnn was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church. JoAnn enjoyed cooking, baking, sewing, sewing, gardening, reading, and spending time with her family. She devoted much of her time to designing and creating rosaries, which she donated to charitable groups. At the request there will be no public viewing. A private funeral service will be held at the convenience of the family by Msgr. Michael E. Servinsky V.G. Committal will be at Sts. Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Cemetery. In Lieu of flowers kindly make donations to Eternal Word Television Network 5817 Old Leeds Road Irondale, AL, 35210 or the American Cancer Society .