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Joan Harmon Obituary
JOAN (LEAVY)
Age 47, of Penn Hills, on Sunday, June 27, 2004; beloved wife of Jeffrey S. Harmon; loving mother of Tracy A. Harmon, Ashley L. Harmon and Daniel J. Harmon; dearest daughter of Betty and Jack Leavy; sister of Scott Leavy, Wendy Meadows and Paul Leavy. Friends received 2-4 & 7-9 pm Tuesday and Wednesday at MAURICE L. KNEE LTD., FUNERAL HOME, 7663 Saltsburg Rd., (Across from S & T Bank) Plum. Family and friends will meet for a 10 am Service on Thursday at the Unity UP Church, 215 Unity - Trestle Rd., Pgh. PA 15239. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the church.
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June 22, 2019
Hard to believe you left us so long ago. Time passes, but our hearts will forever hold a place for you.
David & Debbie Sylvester
March 14, 2008
Dear Jeff & family,
Shock hardly describes the way we feel at this moment. We were searching another area death with the last name of Harmon and came across Joan's obituary! We are absolutely distraught over reading of Joan's death. How could this beautiful person be taken away at such a very age? Joan sang at our wedding in 1987 and did such a wonderful job. We worked with her at Arbor's Management and will never forget her. God bless your family. Joan will never be forgotten.
July 13, 2007
Thinking of you. I visit your site at the cemetery. Still doesn't seem real that you are gone or were taken in such a painful way. Your family and friends will always miss, love, and remember you.
June 20, 2006
Cannot believe it has been so long since you have been gone. Seems like time stood still. Missing you.
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BARRY FERRIS
May 25, 2005
DAVID; I AM SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR MOTHERS PASSING. I DID NOT KNOW HER BUT SHE SOUNDS AS THOUGH SHE WAS A WONDERFUL MOTHER;WIFE AND WOMEN. SHE WILL BE IN MY PRAYERS. AND THOUGHTS. YOURS TRULY BARRY FERRIS
A.G.
April 14, 2005
A wonderful wife, mother, and friend. You surely are missed...even still...gone, but not forgotten.
Anonymous
September 23, 2004
I’m Free
Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free
I’m following the path God has laid you see.
I took His hand when I heard him call
I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day
To laugh, to love, to work, to play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way
I found that peace at the close of day.
If my parting has left a void
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss
Oh yes, these things I too will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life’s been full, I savored much
Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief
Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your hearts and peace to thee
God wanted me now; He set me free.
~Author Unknown~
John S. and Cindy Leavy
September 17, 2004
We were deeply saddened today as we learned of Joans passing. Our prayers are with the family.
John S. and Cindy
Kimberly Leavy
September 17, 2004
I am deeply saddend to hear about Joan's passing. I never got a chance to get to know her or her family, but the memories I have from when I was younger are of a fun-loving and talented aunt. I remember her dressing me up in leg warmers and her clothes and us singing together in her room. That is a time I will never forget. I am deeply hurt that I didn't get the opportunity to know her more. Seeing all of the beautiful words written lets me see what a truly amazing person she was and all the people she touched. My prayers, thoughts and sympathy are with her family. God bless.
Kimberly Leavy
September 9, 2004
She is thought of...
She is loved...
She is missed...
Michelle LeWay Fischer
July 22, 2004
Jeff, Tracy, Ash and Daniel~ Words cannot describe the shock and loss I felt when I heard the news. Joan's love of life, her family and her art will continue to live on. She will always be in the front row of every event of your lives and will be the first one to start the ovations. I'm so honored to have called her a friend. Know that I will be here if you ever need anything. Love, Michelle
July 15, 2004
I am unique. In all the world there is nobody like me. Since the beginning of time, there has never been another person like me. Nobody has my smile, eyes, nose, hair or my voice. I am unique. Nobody sees things just as I do. In all of time, there has been no one who laughs like me or cries like me; and what makes me laugh and cry will never provide identical tears from anyone else.
No one reacts to any situaiton just as I would react. I am unique. I am the only one in all of creation who has my set of abilities. Oh, there will always be somebody who is better at one of the things I'm good at, but no one in the universe can reach the quality of my combination of talents, ideas, abilities and feelings. Like room full of musicians, some members may excel alone, but none can match the symphony of sound when all are playing together in song. I am a part of making that beautiful music!
Through all eternity, no one will ever look, talk, walk, think, or do anything like me. I am rare; I am unique and precious. In all rarity, there is great value. Because of my great, rare value, I need not attempt to imitate others. I will accept - yes, celebrate my differences! I am beginning to realize it is no accident that I am unique. I am beginning to see that God made me unique for a very special purpose. He must have a job for me that no one else can do as well as I. Out of all of the billions and billions of applicants, only one is qualified - only one has the right combination of what it takes!
That one is me - because, I am unique in God's sight!
~Author Unknown~
Joan, You are sadly and deeply missed by your family and friends.
July 15, 2004
Oh we never know where life will take us
I know it's just a ride on the wheel
And we never know when death will shake us
And we wonder how it will feel
So goodbye my friend
I know it will be long till we see you again
But the time together through all the years
Will take away these tears
It's okay now
Goodbye my friend
Life's so fragile and love's so pure
We can't hold on but we try
We watch how quickly it disappears
And we never know why
So goodbye my friend
I know it will be long till we see you again
But the time together through all the years
Will take away these tears
It's okay now
Goodbye my friend
You can go now
Goodbye my friend
original by Karla Bonoff (this version edited)
Karen Proffitt
July 10, 2004
May God bless you and keep you always as He will Joan. May you all find peace in knowing that your loved one is in His hands. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Karen Proffitt and Children
Love, Darlene
July 2, 2004
Success
```````
To laugh often and much;
To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;
To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others;
To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition;
To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.
THIS is to have succeeded!
Bessie Stanely - 1905 (revised - author unknown)
Joan, This poem is fitting of the life you lead while on earth. We miss you more than mere words could ever express, but you must have been called for a reason, and in time I hope we will come to understand why it had to be now. Some comfort will be afforded to us through all of the wonderful memories we have of you over the years. You were truly a beautiful person, inside and out, and one of a kind. WE were the lucky ones to have you in our lives, and for that we are truly enriched and blessed.
May the Lord God Bless you and keep you, may His face shine upon you and be gracious unto you...until we meet once again...
Karin Wagner-Flanagan
July 2, 2004
To the Family of Joan: Joan was a truly beautiful person and I feel priviledged and blessed to have known her. I always remembered her smiling face at the bus stop on our way to school. In chorus she outshined all of us. I pray that Joan is at peace and her energy shines on in a better place.
God bless you and your family,
Karin & Dan Flanagan
(Vincent Drive, Penn Hills)
Becky Webb Rinehart
July 1, 2004
To the Harmon and Leavy families,
God be with you in your grief. I was privileged to have known Joan many years ago, and sang with her way back in our teenage years. Her music reflected the vitality of her soul, and I am sure that that sparkle grew and blossomed in her life. God's spirit will surely give you the strength and comfort you need to carry on. God bless.
Winifred Wynne
July 1, 2004
To Betty and Jack Leavy and the Harmon Family: I am deeply sorry to hear of the passing of Joany. I know her as a next door neighbor from the time she was a little girl. She was a lovely child and a lovey young woman. My prayers and sincere sympathy go out to all of you.
Laurie Schamus Phoebus
July 1, 2004
Paul Leavy,
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your sister. My prayers are with you and your entire family that you will find comfort in knowing that she has been chosen to glorify the Lord.
Thinking about you,
Laurie
Shelby Tamburro
July 1, 2004
Tracy-
My prayers and thougths are with you and your family.
Deepest Sympathy-
Shelby
Frank & Frances Camperlingo
July 1, 2004
Jack, Betty, Wendy, Paul. I just cannot put into words how we feel and the loss you have all suffered. May god bless all of you and help you in this time of sorrow.
Elizabeth (Marteeny) Sattler
July 1, 2004
Mr. Harmon,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Elizabeth (Marteeny) Sattler
Joe, JoAnn and Mickey DeSarno Family
June 30, 2004
Dear Betty, Jack and Family.
Our thoughts, prayers and love will
always be with you all.
Love,and God Bless
Bruce Knapp
June 30, 2004
May the Lord bless the family.
I enjoyed teaching Joannie voice and singing duets.
Love,
Bruce
Linda Ortenzo
June 30, 2004
My prayers and deepest sympathy go to the Leavy and Harmon families - especially Paul Leavy. It was such a shock to hear of Joan's passing. I cannot imagine how difficult this time is for all of you. I hope you take comfort in the numerous messages of love and admiration for Joan. They are a great testament to her. I hope they bring strength and peace to all of you.
Ms. Amanda Power
June 30, 2004
Mrs. Harmon was a bright light in our community and at school activities. She was a talented and wonderful woman. I was fortunate enough to work with her and all her children attending Linton Middle School and performing in the Linton Middle School musical productions. We will greatly miss her. My deepest sympathy to Dan, Ashley, Tracy, and ( her husband) Mr. Harmon. You will all be in my thoughts & prayers.
June 30, 2004
'A Child is Loaned'
I'll lend you for a little time, a child of mine, He said, for you to love while she lives, and mourn while she is dead. It may be six or seven years, or twenty-two or three, but will you, till I call her back, take care of her for me? She'll bring her charms to gladden you, and shall her stay be brief, you'll have her lovely memories as solace for your grief. I cannot promise she will stay, since all from Earth return, but there are lessons taught down there I want this child to learn. I've looked the wide world over in my search for teachers true, and from the throngs that crowd life's lanes, I have selected you. Now will you give her all your love, nor think the labor vain, nor hate me when I come to call, to take her back again? I fancied when I heard them say, "Dear Lord, Thy will be done", for all the joy thy child should bring, the risk of grief we'll run. We'll shelter her with tenderness, we'll love her while we may, and for the happiness we've known, will ever grateful stay. But shall the angels call for her much sooner than we planned, we'll brave the bitter grief that comes, and try to understand.
~Anonymous~
Debbie Whitfield
June 30, 2004
Jeff,
My deepest sympathies to you and your family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Lynor Robinson
June 30, 2004
Jeff, Daniel and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. May God Bless you all and give you strength.
Tom Wynne
June 30, 2004
My family lived next to the Leavy’s on Wisteria Drive for over 30 years. Joan was a year younger than me and I had the privilege of watching her grow up. As a young lady, Joan always handled herself with grace and elegance. Over 25 years have passed since I last saw Joan and I often wondered how Joan’s life turned out. Reading the guest book from people who knew Joan, it is clear that Joan, as a wife and a mother lived her life with the same grace and elegance she had in her early life. Our family’s sympathy and prayers go out to the Leavy and Harmon families.
Catherine (Kaki) Wynne
June 30, 2004
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Leavy, My brother Mehal just forwarded me the information that Joany had passed away. My memories of her growing up on Wisteria Drive are so vivid - she always had style and was so much fun. I didn't know her as a grown woman with a family but can only picture her as loving and kind, and the best wife and mother. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family at this very sad time.
Melanie Detweiler
June 29, 2004
Daniel
I was sorry to hear about your mother. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.
David Moschetta
June 29, 2004
Jeff, Tracey, Ashley and Daniel:
No words can ease the pain and grief that you feel at this time. But you can take comfort in knowing that your wife and mother was a giving, caring, talented woman who was loved by many and will be sorely missed. Take pride in the memory of her many good works for the school district and the community. May God Bless you all and keep you in his stead.
Danielle Slagle
June 29, 2004
Tracy,
I am very sorry to hear about your loss. If you need anything do not hesitate to call, even if you just need to talk. My prayers are with you and your family. Take care, sweetie! XoXoXo
Tristan Robinson
June 29, 2004
Ms.Harmon gave more to all she met in her years then some do in an entire lifetime. Last year when my mother was in the hospital she was by my family's side constantly and was a good friend to myself, my father, brother and sister. She left behind a legacy of love and caring for all which will never be forgotten.
David & Peg Langlands
June 29, 2004
We are sorry to have learned of Joan's death. Our hearts and prayers are with you in this loss of a dear daughter. Love, Dave & Peg
Bob & Millie Schwab
June 29, 2004
To Jack, Betty, Paul and Wendy, we extend to you our deepest sympathy in loosing Joan. We know the pain you are suffering and pray that God will be with you in this time of need.
Sincerely,
Millie & Bob
Leslie Rhodes
June 29, 2004
Dear Jeff and Family, You have my most heartfelt sympathy during your time of loss and I will continue to keep you in my prayers as always.
God Bless You all!
Kathy Heller
June 29, 2004
As a result of teaching the eldest multi-talented Harmon child,Tracy,at Washington Elementary School in Penn Hills,Joan Harmon entered my life.This lovely dynamo was simply a gift to the world. Joan's beauty was matched by her outstanding artistic ability, intelligence,and her total commitment to her family and community.As President of the P.T.A.,Joan worked tirelessly to help ALL the children at Washington.
I am so saddened to learn of her death and wish to extend my very deepest sympathy to her loving husband Jeff as well as Tracy,Ashley,Daniel...her parents,and the entire family. My heart goes out to all of you.
Sincerely,
Kathy Heller
Dennis Schweinsburg
June 29, 2004
I am saddened by your loss. No words I write can soften your pain. Please know that the Harmon and Leavy families are in our prayers and thoughts on this day.
The Magill Family
June 29, 2004
No words can express our true sorrow over the loss of Joan. May you find courage to face tomorrow in the love that surrounds you today. May God bless all of you.
Marilyn Dancisin
June 29, 2004
Daniel and family,
My heartfelt sympathy on the loss of your mother. My prayers are with you and your family.
Marilyn Dancisin
(Jessica's Grammy)
Sue Trozzo
June 29, 2004
I too was shocked and truly saddened to hear of Joan's passing. Although I haven't seen any of you for several years now (since leaving Penn Hills), I have thought of you often, and thought how lucky Wendy and Joan were to live so close to one another. My own sister Lynda passed away last July after a hard, 5 year battle with cancer, at age 48, so my heart goes out to all of you as I feel your pain and loss. But, just as I do when I feel the sadness closing in, I always remember that none of us are here forever, that we are all called to a better place, and that if we leave our little corner of the world better than it was when we entered it, we have done our part. From my memories of Joan, and indeed of your warm and friendly families, she is up there with my sister, watching over those of us still making the journey. May God bless and hold all of you near to His heart, until we are all one day united in eternity. My prayers and those of my family are with you all.
Sue (Morosky) Trozzo
Polly Caskey
June 29, 2004
"Sunrise ,Sunset swiftly flo the days, one season following another laden with happiness and tears." (Fiddler on the Roof) Joan your days came and went much to quickly. Sharing tears with Harmon Family.
Gary Harvat
June 28, 2004
Dear Leavy and Harmon Families: I am so saddened to hear of Joan's passing. It is just too hard for one to believe that such a beautiful and caring person has left us. I have many fond memories of Joan and will remember many of the great times we shared growing up as teens. I was always honored to be in her presence. Joan touched so many lives with her kindness and her beautiful voice. I will remember her always.
To Mr. and Mrs. Leavy, Paul, Scott, Wendy and the Harmon family know that she is in a better place and someday we will all meet again. May God grant you comfort and peace in the trying days ahead.
Godspeed Joan and may the Good Lord bless you and keep you.
Goodbye my friend.
Anne Linaberger
June 28, 2004
I remember thinking how awesome Joan was as the star of all the musicals in high school when we were in junior high and at Linton. Her legend was amazing -- every up and coming musical theater singer and performer wanted to be just like her. My sympathy and prayers go out to the entire Leavy family, especially to my friend and classmate Paul. It is hard to lose your sister.
Barbra Frand
June 28, 2004
The Harmon Family,
Words do not seem enough at times like these but we wanted you to know you are in our thoughts and prayers and to extend our deepest sympathy. We are very saddened by Joan's passing and your loss. Sincerely, Jeff, Barbra and Jaron Frand
Bernard, Francine and Bernie Brozek
June 28, 2004
We were so saddened hearing about Joan. We enjoyed hearing her singing and watching her on the stage that was a second home to her. We wish her family our deepest, deepest sympathy and prayers.
Linda Marx
June 28, 2004
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. The following words were shared with me a few years ago. Now, I would like to share them with all of you.
Death is nothing at all. It does not count. I have only slipped away into the next room. Nothing has happened. Everything remains exactly as it was. I am I and you are you and the old life that we lived so fondly together is untouched, unchanged. Whatever we were to each other, that we are still. Call me by my old familiar name. Speak of me in the easy way which you always used. Put no difference into your tone. Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow. Laugh as we always laughed at the litle jokes that we enjoyed together. Play, smile, think of me, pray for me. Let my name be ever the household word that it always was. Let it be spoken without an effort, without the ghost of a shadow upon it. Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was. There is absolute and unbroken continuity. What is death but a negligible accident? Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? I am but waiting for you, somewhere very near, just around the corner...all is well.
God gives us the inner strength we need in times such as this. God also gives us family and friends to help when we think the load we have to carry is too heavy. All of you have wonderful family and friends. Please remember we are all here when you need us.
All my love,
Linda
Darlene Schwab
June 28, 2004
I was so shocked and saddened to hear about Joan. I had the privilege of being a part of the Leavy family for almost 10 years, and was blessed in having the opportunity to befriend Joan. She was such a fun-loving, caring person; always laughing, singing, smiling, shopping :), or giving of herself in some special way. She was truly a talented vocalist with awesome stage presence - you couldn't help but be mesmerized by her when she was performing. In addition to that, she was a wonderful wife to Jeff, and mother to Tracy, Ashley, and Daniel. I know they were her greatest joy/accomplishments in life. I will continue to keep the Leavy and Harmon families in my prayers, and pray for God to give you strength in this most difficult and impossible time.
Love,
Darlene
The Quint's (Cheryl, Mike and Bridget)
June 28, 2004
Jeff,Tracy,Ashley,Daniel,
Over the past few weeks your family has been in our thoughts and prayers, Please except our deepest sympathy. Joan had amazing love and dedication to all of you that I'm sure will be a part of your hearts forever.
Bob & Millie Schwab
June 28, 2004
We are truly saddened to learn of Joan's death. A wonderful voice has been added to the heavenly choir. We are grateful to have had the friendship of Joan & Jeff in our lives and trust that God will bless Jeff and children with comfort & care during this difficult time. We know that you all have wonderful memories of Joan
as your wife and mother. God Bless you and yours.
Mary Phan-Gruber
June 28, 2004
Our deepest sympathies to Jeff, Tracy, Ashley, and Danny and to Joan's parents, Wendy and her brothers. Joan's vitality, her zest for life, her energy,her talent and her courage had such an impact on everyone who knew her. We will be among the many who will miss her, but we know her vital spirit will live on in all the lives she touched.
Diane Christian
June 28, 2004
Jeff, Tracy, Ashley and Daniel,
I wanted to offer our sincere sympathy to you and your family. Joan was truly a pleasure to know and was an inspiration to all. God bless you all as you go through this very difficult time.
The Christians
(Al, Diane, Brittany and Amanda)
Skip, Monica, & Tyler Solomon
June 28, 2004
We are so deeply sorry for your loss. Joan will be surely missed. I(Monica) will miss talking with her about the kids programs and her telling me what to get Tyler involved in. We are here for you if needed. Jeff, Tracy, Ashley and Daniel keep your eyes on the sparrow and know that she pain free and watching over you. God Bless.
The Solomons
Joan Stuchul
June 28, 2004
A truly dedicated mom. It was a joy having had the opportunity, if only for a short time, to know Joan.
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