Joann Patricia Szyjko

Joann P. Szyjko, a beloved member of her family and community, passed away peacefully at her residence on December 19, 2025, at the age of 85. Born on November 5, 1940, in Lawrence, PA, she was a graduate of the Cecil High School Class of 1958. 

Joann pursued a career as a secretary in the insurance industry. She took great pride in her profession and carried these traits into her homemaking where she created a loving and nurturing environment for her family.

In her role as a wife and mother, Joann found great joy. She married Richard Lee Szyjko on September 12, 1964, who survives her, alongside their two children: Lori (Jeffrey) Kundra and Richard Lee Szyjko whom were the bright light of Joann’s life. The couple shared a strong bond and spent much time traveling together, which created numerous treasured memories. Joann was also a proud grandmother to her grandson, Joshua Michael Kundra, with whom she spent much time with and cared for full heartedly.

Joann enjoyed reading as well as spending time outdoors walking and gardening. She also found great comfort in cooking and baking for her family and friends, especially on the holidays. Her faith was an integral part of her life, as she attended services on Sundays at Noblestown Presbyterian Church.

She leaves behind a legacy of love and resilience, remembered fondly by those who knew her. Joann is preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Cecelia Calaski Orbich, and her siblings: three brothers, Joseph, Edmund, and James Orbich; and six sisters, Audrey Pollice, Rena Trnavsky, Connie Ziegler, Valarene Steiner, Madeline Chopp, and Janice Hawkins.

Family will receive friends on December 22, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Graff-Nation Funeral and Cremation Services, located at 218-220 East Lincoln Ave., McDonald, PA 15057. A funeral service will take place the following day, December 23, 2025, starting at 9:45 AM, also at Graff-Nation Funeral and Cremation Services, culminating in a burial at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, scheduled for 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions are suggested to Noblestown Presbyterian Church, 7427 Noblestown Rd, Oakdale, PA 15071.

Joann P. Szyjko will be deeply missed, yet her spirit will live on in the hearts of her family and all who were touched by her kindness and grace.