Joanne Elizabeth Oellig McFeaters

Joanne O. McFeaters, died on June 16, 2020 in Newtown, PA, surrounded by love and grace. She was born on October 23, 1930 in Savannah, GA and spent her first years in Pickins, MS, later moving to Coraopolis, PA with her sister Corinne, when her mother, Josie Hanson Sauls married Edwin Oellig, a pharmacist, after WWII.

Joanne attended Coraopolis High School and Muskingum College, where graduated with a degree in Home Economics. It was at Muskingum where she met the love of her life, Arthur C. McFeaters, Jr. from Mt. Lebanon, PA, at a college Bible study. They married in 1955, returned to Pittsburgh and settled in Shadyside while Art attended dental school at the University of Pittsburgh and Joanne taught at Etna High School. After dental school, Joanne and Art, headed to Parris Island, SC where Art served in the United States Navy Dental Corp., and where they met their treasured friends the Corsellos, Doans, Chiarellos, and Plesofskys.

Returning to Pittsburgh Joanne and Art settled first in Mt. Lebanon, PA and then in Upper St. Clair where Joanne lived for over 50 years. Their marriage was one of shared faith, deep respect, laughter, and a love of adventure. They traveled the world with their children Lauren, Susan, and Arthur III and reveled in being parents. Their home on Golfview Drive became a place for lively dinner parties, patio picnics, family holiday celebrations, and a sanctuary for raising their children. Each summer the family enjoyed life at the Jersey shore in Ocean City, NJ.

In April 1985, Art died of pancreatic cancer, and Joanne spent the rest of her life loving him, caring for their home, and enjoying her beloved family and friends. She was a teacher and Ruling Elder at her cherished Beverly Heights United Presbyterian Church (Mt. Lebanon) for 6o years, and was an active part of the Dental Auxiliary of Western PA, Upper St. Clair Women’s Club, Eastern Star, St. Clair Country Club, and the Historical Society of Upper St. Clair, Joanne was an avid reader, gardener, gourmet cook, and conversationalist. She was elegant, deeply intuitive, truly compassionate, had a heart for listening, and enjoyed thoughtful relationships with people of all ages. Her faith in her Lord was keen and true.

Three and a half years ago, Joanne left Pittsburgh to live closer to her family. She thoroughly enjoyed this new chapter of her life at Pennswood Village in Newtown PA, Bucks County. She was able to spend precious time with her granddaughter Josie and enjoyed Josie’s church and high school activities. Joanne joined the Nassau Presbyterian Church in Princeton NJ and spent her final years considering it a grand new adventure. Joanne entered Pennswood Hospice care and died with dignity and hope in the life to come.

Joanne is survived by her beloved sister Corinne Irwin of McKees Rocks, PA;  daughter Lauren McFeaters (Michael Brothers) and grand-daughter Josie Brothers of Princeton, NJ, daughter Susan McFeaters of Silver City, NM, son Arthur McFeaters of York, PA, and niece Linda Irwin (Sherry Jefferson) of Washington, PA.

Joanne will be buried at the Mt. Lebanon Cemetery and a family memorial service will take place at a later time. Memorial contributions may be given to Jubilee Soup Kitchen, www.jubileesoupkitchen.com, 2005 Wyandotte St., Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

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