Zambroski

Joanne Marion Zambroski passed away peacefully at home early Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023, at the age of 92, with her daughter at her side singing her to heaven. She had been under hospice care since April.

Joanne was born on Dec. 29, 1930, the firstborn of Richard W. and Sophia Williams. She grew up in Butler, with her younger brother Richard P. Williams, who passed away on Jan. 20, 2023, and whom she dearly missed. She graduated from West Penn Hospital as a registered nurse, and kept her nurse’s license active through 1993.

She was married to John H. Zambroski for 43 happy years until his passing in 2002. They raised three children together, and enjoyed gardening and an active social life.

She loved being a mother, supporting each of her children in their hobbies and pursuits. She introduced them to the arts, taught them to cook and instilled a good work ethic, always believing in each of their abilities to achieve.

Joanne was a loyal Pittsburgh Steelers fan. She was an avid reader and a lifelong learner.

When her children were grown, Joanne took up duplicate bridge, which became her passion. In 2015, she achieved the status of Diamond Life Master, an achievement of only 1% of American Contract Bridge League members. She loved her treasured partners, with whom she played for decades and who contributed to her quality of life.

Joanne moved to Fox Chapel in 2004, where she enjoyed a very active life with her duplicate bridge community. At age 89, she learned to use a computer so she could play bridge online when the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the in-person games. She continued as long as her health permitted.

In November 2020, she left Fox Chapel to live with her daughter in Georgetown, Texas. She expressed her gratitude every day to have her daughter’s care and the love and support of her family.

Most of all, Joanne loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She routinely bragged about their various accomplishments. She cherished their visits, photos and phone calls. She was proud of them all.

Joanne is survived by her sons, Richard (Brenda) Zambroski and James (Cheryl) Zambroski; her daughter, Laurel Johnson; her grandchildren, Christopher (Glenna) Sherman, Jessica (Chad) Deardorff, Matthew (Monique) Gregory, Daniel (Mandy) Gregory, Keely (Chesley) Stephens and Dorian (Ming Lu) Johnson; and her great-grandchildren Drake and Alexis Sherman, Adam and Sophia Deardorff, Evelyn Gregory and Adeline Stephens.

She will be buried in Calvary Cemetery in Butler next to her beloved husband. A celebration of Joanne’s life will be held in the area in late October. Email laurelannjohnson@ymail.com to be notified of details.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donating a book to your local library in Joanne’s name, or give to your favorite local charity.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.