Joann Marie Engel

beloved wife, mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully on May 21, 2025 at the age of 90. A long-time resident of West Mifflin, PA, she was known for her unwavering faith and devotion to her family and community. She was proud of her Slovak heritage and kept her family’s traditions alive.

Joann was born March 28,1935 in Duquesne, PA, where she attended public school and graduated near the top of her class.  She was immediately hired by Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory in West Mifflin as an executive secretary. The recognition she received for her work at Bettis made this one of the happiest periods of her life. Among other notable accomplishments, Joann typed the manual for the USS Nautilus, the world’s first operational nuclear-powered submarine. 

Joann married John Engel in 1959. They were married for 64 years and together they raised a beautiful family filled with love and laughter. Joann considered her family to be her greatest achievement. She is survived by her children Barbara Ard (Bill), Georgeanne Cluskey (Joel), Robert Engel, Jeanne Engel (Dan Geiger) and David Engel (Alexis), as well as her 5 grandchildren; Gregory Horvath (Allison McKnight), Christopher Cluskey, Daniel Cluskey, Zachary Engel and Madeline Engel.  In addition to her husband, Joann is predeceased by her parents, George and Anna Hanyak, as well as her sister, Geraldine Richards.

Joann was a devoted member of the Resurrection and Holy Trinity Parishes where she played an active role in promoting spiritual enrichment with a special devotion to the Blessed Mother.   Her deep faith shone brightly as she devoted her time to fundraising efforts and membership in the Marian Guild and Christian Mothers.  A favorite ministry was lovingly crafting prayer shawls for people in need of comfort and solace.   Outside of her faith community, Joann was a leader of the PTG and PTSA, as well as a committed volunteer with both the Girl and Boy Scouts.

Family and friends will be received at Laughlin Cremation & Funeral Tributes, 222 Washington Road, Mt. Lebanon, PA 15216 on Thursday, May 29, 2025 from 4:00 until 7:00 PM.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Bernard Church, 311 Washington Road, Mt. Lebanon, PA 15216 on Friday morning, May 30th at 10:00.  Internment immediately follows at Holy Trinity Cemetery, 529 Grant Ave. Ext. West Mifflin, PA 15122.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association through a memorial page on their website at

http://act.alz.org/goto/EngelsAngelsMemorialDonations

www.laughlinfuneralhome.com

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