Joan M. Downing

1941 - 2025

Joan "Joanne" Mildred Downing, 84, of Penn Borough, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, at Upton's Country Comfort Personal Care Home in Normalville. Joan was born in Greensburg on July 28, 1941, to the late Joseph and Mildred (Albright) Downing. Joan graduated from Penn-Trafford High School and studied at Westmoreland Business College. Her career included 46 years at Westinghouse Electric Corporation in various positions, ultimately retiring as a records specialist in the product and quality improvement department. She was passionate about many things. Above all, was her love for her Savior Jesus Christ, and she loved going to church. She also had great love for animals, especially horses. She was an accomplished rider, riding in many parades, horse shows, Appalachian Wagon Train expeditions, and more. Joan was active in many associations, including Bushy Run Battlefield, Penn Borough Election Board, Jeannette's Women's Club and Lion's Club, Greensburg Garden Club, and several local hospitals. Joan also enjoyed gardening, sewing, crafting, painting, spending time with friends, and donating gifts to many. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Mary Downing; nieces, Ann Zastrow, Barb (John) Wais, and Charlotte Downing, all in Wisconsin; niece, Cindie (Joe) Phillips; nephews, Jeff (Robin) Lopes and Sam (LaVerne) Lopes, both in Pennsylvania; great-nieces and nephews; cousins; friends; and her furry pet, Kitty. Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Mildred Downing; her half-sister, Nancy Lopes and Arthur Lopes; her half-brother, James Downing; and her nephew, Clark Downing. Interment will be at Twin Valley Memorial Park, Delmont. Per Joan's wishes, no memorial service will be held. The family wishes to express their thanks to Pastor Gruesu, friends Don and Eileen, and Upton's Care Home. Contributions in Joan's memory may be made to St. Matthias Evangelical Lutheran Church, 100 Chapel View Drive, Greensburg, PA 15601. VAIA FUNERAL HOME INC., 463 Athena Drive, Delmont, (724-468-1177), has been entrusted with the arrangements. To send online expressions of sympathy or obtain grief support information or directions, please visit www.VaiaFuneralHome.com.