Beloved wife, mother, nana and friend, Joan S. DeChristopher, departed this life on Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2020, following a courageous battle with coronavirus at the Mon Health Medical Center.
Joan was a “mom” to most of Star City and the many friends of her three children. She will be sadly missed by the numerous lives she touched.
Joan was born and raised in Star City, a daughter of Russell and Angeline Scotchell. She was a 1957 graduate of Morgantown High School and later attended the Morgantown Business College. She then applied her business skills in the medical field in both Fairmont and Morgantown.
Joan was a lifetime parishioner of the St. Mary Roman Catholic Church. As an active member of the church social committee, Joan shared fellowship and her love for cooking with others while preparing countless bereavement dinners, communions, and other celebrations held at the church. Whenever there was a need, Joan was called to offer her talents with heartfelt humility. She enjoyed the time spent with her St. Mary family. Joan’s faith and fellowship were bolstered by the relationships that she and her husband Patsy shared with so many people.
On weekday mornings Joan and Patsy could be found at Eat’n Park with their close friends, Maggie and Bill Maraney. They enjoyed hours of food and laughter. On Wednesday and Sunday nights they joined many friends for what were affectionately known as “Pow Wows,” with Joan at one end of the table with the “girls” and Patsy at the other end with the “boys,” where hours were spent analyzing WVU basketball wins and losses.
It was no secret that Joan was an enthusiastic sports fan. She was passionate about Mountaineer basketball and Yankees baseball. With her family, she traveled to see the Yankees play in New York City, Tampa, Fla., and Baltimore. Joan enjoyed traveling, especially for family beach vacations. She was an avid reader and finished the crossword puzzle in the newspaper every day. Joan cherished her family, spending time with her grandchildren and delighted in the unconditional compassion offered by her canine companion Bailey.
Joan’s legacy of faith, love and joy will be carried on by her husband of 54 years, Patsy DeChristopher; son, John DeChristopher (Connie Brady); two daughters, Perri Jo DeChristopher (Charles Porter) and Lynette DeChristopher (Tracie DeFreitas), all of Star City; special nephew, Christopher Casino (Shelly), of Morgantown; grandchildren, Sydney and Chase, Anna “Banana” and Brookie “Cookie”; and great-niece and nephew, Danielle and Anthony Casino.
Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Russell and Angeline; sister, Antionette “Toni” Casino and her husband Fred; and her mother-in-law, Dominica “Maggie” DeChristopher.
The family will receive friends at the St. Mary Catholic Church from 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021 until her Mass of Christian Burial at noon. All visitors and guests will be asked to properly wear a face covering, socially distance and limit their time to 15 minutes.
She will be laid to rest at East Oak Grove Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Fred L. Jenkins Funeral Home.
The family would like to offer their heartfelt appreciation to all the staff of the Mon Health Medical Center with special thanks to the ICU nurses Todd, Somer, Becca, Justin, Steph, Jeanine, Barry and Glenna for the unparalleled compassionate care given to Joan during her illness. You are all appreciated.
Please consider a donation in memory of Joan, to the St. Mary Social Committee, 3334B University Ave., Morgantown, WV 26505, or The Road Home Animal Project, P.O. Box 522 St. Clairsville, OH 43950.
