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Joan Schilling Obituary
JOAN ELIZABETH SCHILLING
Joan Elizabeth Schilling (Joni), 78, of Washington, DC, passed away peacefully on March 7, 2022 after a long, courageous battle against ovarian cancer. Born and raised in Butler Pa., she moved to Washington, DC in 1965 and began a long, successful career in photography, culminating with her tenure (21 years) at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, for which she worked 12 years as supervisor of the Photography Division. She retired from the federal government after 34 years of service.
Joni was a warm, unpretentious person who touched the heart of anyone within her sphere. Her interests were many and varied, but she had an enduring passion and dedication to the cause of the Washington Redskins. She may have been their number one fan!
Joni kept in touch with many friends and relatives over the years and, tho being very independent, self reliant, and reclusive at times (her artistic temperament), her greatest joy came from time spent with family and friends.
Joni was predeceased by her parents, John and Nellie Schilling; brother, Eugene Schilling; and nephew, John Staff. She is survived by her sister, Dorothy "Suzie" Staff; cousins John Cropp and Linda Signori; nephew, Aaron "Andy" Staff (Tiffani); nieces, Malaika Staff (Mark Sherwood) and Joy Staff, Judy Roberts, Shawnee Novak, Michelle Schilling, and Sue Hargenrader; great-nephews, Justin Staff, Ryan Staff, and Trae Sherwood; great-nieces, Amanda, Alyssa, and Ashley Staff; as well as many other great-nieces, nephews, and cousins. Also surviving Joni is her biological son, Gary R. Cox.
Joni requested no service. Joni's ashes will be interred at Greenlawn Burial Park, Mt. Chestnut, PA. Donations may be made in her honor to the Kimmel Cancer Center at Sibley Hospital.
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Memories and Condolences
for Joan Schilling
6 Entries
Sharon
April 29, 2025
Every February 24th..never forgotten. Every "Redskins" mention.. so many good memories Joni. How could I ever forget you? Never! I pray you are now in eternal happiness.
Sharon
April 29, 2024
Joni is unforgettable. I miss her and think of her almost daily. Joni enriched my life as she did all with whom she befriended. She was one of a kind. She will never be forgotten.
Lora S.
July 27, 2023
Joan and I were neighbors first and quickly became friends. She was a delightful and caring person, treasured by all who knew her. My deepest condolences and prayers are with her family, colleagues, and longtime friends.
Kathleen Janoski
December 24, 2022
I worked with Joan (Joni) Schilling when I was stationed at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology in Washington, DC.
Joni was the ultimate career woman. Left Western Pennsylvania to have a career, and an exciting life, in Washington, DC. She was a photographer just like myself. Joni was professional, kind, and funny. She was also a private person which is one of her many qualities that I admired.
After I retired from Navy, we kept in touch, sometimes with a phone call, but always with a Christmas card. How I loved her Christmas cards! She would always enclose a Christmas letter detailing all the happenings in year. Lord, she was funny.
Joni, if you can read this in heaven, I miss you.
Sharon Milliken
May 15, 2022
My dear friend for more than 50 years. A caring and beautiful person and wonderful friend. I will miss her. My Condolences to her family , especially to Suzie. She loved you all. May we all have wonderful memories when we think of her.
J.Harris
May 5, 2022
Dear Schilling, offering our deepest condolence to the family, may God be his refuge and strength, a help that is readily found in times of distress.
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