Joan K. Lasky

Our beloved mother, Joan Katherine Magdalene Zuratovich Lasky (Joanie) passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her children on Wednesday morning January 20th 2021 from complications of Covid. She lives forever in the hearts of her husband Jack, her children Joan Susan Saba (Mark), John (Mary Ann), Elaine, Stephen (Kathleen), Peter (Emily), Elizabeth and Christopher (Rosemary); her grandchildren Annie and Nick Saba; John Joseph, Kate, Claire, Stephen Joseph, Samuel, Madeleine, Greta, Max, and Miles Lasky; her great grandchild Sonia; her sister Carole Bosilovic and everyone that experienced life with her and through her. Joan was devoted to her parents Josephine and John Zuratovich, her grandparents Catherine and Casper Starsnic and all of her aunts and uncles. She happily spent her youth growing up in the close knit neighborhood of Troy Hill and she spoke of those memories fondly and often. Upon moving to Etna, Joan was a good student and popular cheerleader at Etna High School. Before she married she pursued a career at Bell Telephone as a systems analyst. As her children grew, Joan was an administrative assistant at St. Francis Hospital in Lawrenceville. She married the love of her life, Jack Lasky. They moved to “145” in Shaler Township as their family grew and delighted in having many impromptu picnics, dinners, and holiday gathering—especially their infamous Christmas Day party.Many conversations occurred at Joan’s kitchen table in full view of her refrigerator featuring an evolving array of quotes, pictures, and notes to all of her children—especially on theirbirthdays.

Joan was devoted to her extended family and proud, as she wasquick to note, that she was a thoroughbred of 100% Croatian heritage. She had an unquenchable thirst for learning; from philosophy, politics, and theology to marveling at the beauty of insects, birds, or a simple flower.

During the 1960’s the inclusive and open dawning of Vatican II re-ignited Joan’s passion for Catholicism. Her children grew up attending inspiring masses at St. Mary’s of the Point, La Roche College gymnasium, and The Ark and the Dove in Gibsonia. She found herself through the teachings of many, especially Father Eugene Lauer and Father Don Fisher.

Joan enjoyed traveling with her family and learning about new cultures, art, architecture, food, and drink across Europe and the US. An avid reader, she gifted many with books including her favorites: The Little Prince, The Day You were Born, and Hope for the Flowers.

Our mother was a model of virtue, generosity, empathy, and understanding. She lived her life fervently believing in socialjustice, including racial and gender equality. She loved and accepted all people. She cherished and guided us, shaping us into the loving and accepting family that we are. She often told each of us how much she believed in us and loved us “more than words can say.”

Her love will live forever. The immediate family will be celebrating her life in private.When it is safe, we will have a Mass and the celebration of Joan’s life that she deserves. In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh.