Joan S. (Gash) Bellavance

Joan “Sexy” Bellavance, 85 “forever 39” of Elizabeth (formerly of Clairton) Pennsylvania, passed away on August 21, 2020.  Joan was a lifetime parishioner and pillar of the Ascension of Our Lord Byzantine Catholic Church, a member of the  Jefferson Hospital Community Health Counsel, former secretary for Clairton City School District and account servicer for Pittsburgh and New England Trucking Company, as well as an avid Trump supporter.
Those who knew Joan felt her kindness and witnessed the overwhelming love she had for her family.  She was often found cheering on her kids and grandkids from the sideline, many times with her megaphone!  She gave wise advice and knew just the right song to sing when you needed it the most.  She absolutely adored her husband Frank, who preceded her in death last year.  They enjoyed going to breakfast every morning and could always be found with a smile on their faces.  Joan said that God sent Frank to her, and he gave her the greatest life any woman could have.  She was truly a “Truckers Queen,” the Jane to his Tarzan, and the matriarch of our family.
Joan had a zest for life, LOVED to go shopping and had an eye for fashion.  She would often color-coordinate her hairstyle, nails, earrings, shoes and purse with each one of her outfits.  She was generous, fun, loving, and caring, with a heart of gold (and a bracelet to match)!   
Joan is preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Julia (Pollick) Gash, brother Gene Gash, husband Francois Bellavance and Son-in-Law David Schlessinger.  She is survived by her children, Michael (Andrea) of Dravosburg, Cynthia Schlessinger of Elizabeth, Julianne (Richard) Cochran of North Versailles, Scott (Lorrie) of New Eagle and Tammy (Walter) Whiteman of McKeesport; grandchildren, Eric, Nicole, Christopher, Stacey, Max, Tiffany, Daniel, Sydney, Jacob, Tabitha, Brianna, Scott Jr, and Chantelle; along with 16 great-grandchildren.
Family and friends will be received at WILLIG FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY from 7 to 9pm on Tuesday, August 25, 2020, and on Wednesday from 2 to 4pm; 7 to 9pm (with Parastas service at 7pm). On Thursday, a Panachida service will be held in the funeral home chapel at 9am. Funeral liturgy will follow at 10am at Ascension of Our Lord Byzantine Catholic Church (Father Ivan Mina, Ph.D. officiating). Burial will follow at Round Hill Cemetery. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.willigfuneralcremationservices.com.
 

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