Joan Andabaker, age 87 of Bridgeville, PA, formally of Donora, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2018. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Rudy Andabaker of 63 years. She is survived by their four children, Marcia (Joe) Novek of Manlius, NY, Susan (Greg) Rogozinski of Mount Lebanon, PA, Barbara (Michael) Steinmetz of Coraopolis, PA and Rudy (Denise) Andabaker of Garden Ridge, TX, plus seven grandchildren, Joseph, Rhette, Erika, Hope, Kara, Ashley and Paige, three great grandchildren Ethan, McKenna and Lincoln, and many nieces and nephews.

Born on March 25, 1931, Joan was the daughter of Helen (Amatangelo) and Joseph Jackman and was raised in Donora, along with her two sisters, Philomena, and Marie; and brother, Joseph. She graduated from Donora High School and pursued a business degree before her marriage to Rudy in April 1953.
Most of all, Joan loved entertaining family and friends while in the latest fashion. She made every single holiday special for everyone. When a family member or friend knocked on the door, she would stop everything and they would all enjoy sitting at the kitchen table with a hot cup of tea or glass of wine sharing life stories and memories of family. Also, she enjoyed working in her flower and vegetable gardens. The bounty was shared with the neighbors. She never stopped learning and being active. She was an active member of the Mid Mon Valley All Sports Hall of Fame Committee along with Rudy for many years and was honored with the Outstanding Volunteer Award for her support in the yearly banquet. For her Donora High School Reunion, she worked diligently to get all her classmates back together to share memories of their high school years. Family was always first for Joan and this tradition continues with her children.

After raising her family, Joan set out on a new career at Cox’s Department Store in Charleroi, PA. She enjoyed her many friendships with the staff and clients who loved her guidance and fashion sense.

She was a parishioner of Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, Donora, PA. She also enjoyed her time spent as a member of the Croatian Fraternal Union of America, and Elks Lodge.

After her retirement, she enjoyed traveling and spending time with her children, grandchildren and friends in the Pittsburgh, PA, Garden Ridge, TX, Manlius, NY and the Adirondacks.

Arrangements are being handled by Anthony L. Massafra Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Inc., 40 Second Street Extension, Donora, PA 15033 (724) 379-6900. The family will receive friends on Sunday, May 6, 2018 from 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM. Prayers will be recited in the funeral home on Monday, May 7, 2018 at 9:30 AM followed by a 10:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial in Our Lady of the Valley Church with Rev. Fr. Pierre M Falkenhan as celebrant.

Entombment will follow at Mon Valley Memorial Park, Donora, PA

Her family would like to thank Dr. Prahbu and all the staff at Country Meadows whom were so attentive, kind and caring to our Mom, Joan.

The family suggests that memorial contributions may be made to Country Meadows, 3570 Washington Pike, Bridgeville, PA 15017

To Share a Condolence please visit www.massafrafuneralhome.com

Provide comfort for the family by planting a tree in memory of Joan Andabaker (Jackman), please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.