Joann (Smail) Ross

Joann I. Ross, 79, of Allegheny Township, passed away peacefully on Tuesday March 16, 2021, at West Haven Manor in Apollo.  She had sustained a severe neck injury from a fall in January 2020, while battling dementia and Parkinson’s Disease.  Joann was the daughter of the late Floyd and Henrietta (Klanica) Smail, of Allegheny Twp.  She graduated from Vandergrift High School in 1959.  She was a graduate of Clarion University and Pitt University with a Masters in education.  She was a third grade teacher in the Penn Hills School district 35 years retiring in 2000.  Her students often wrote her letters after graduating of her kindness and helping them get through school.  She was beloved by her students and parents alike.  She is survived by her husband Ralph Ross, and sister Dorothy L. (Joseph) Suatoni, of Allegheny Twp.; son Brian (Christine) Neale, of Minneapolis, MN; also niece Leanne (Robert) Fenoghetto and her children, Rob, Colton and Morgan.  The family wished to thank West Haven Manor and Three Rivers Hospice for their care and thoughtfulness during this very difficult time.  Joann’s memorial service by Pastor Joel Garrett will be private for the family out of respect to our current culture.  Arrangements have been entrusted to the Frank F. Gigler Funeral Home, Inc., Lower Burrell (724) 335-6500, Robert P. Karish, Supervisior.  In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to People’s Library, 3052 Wachter Avenue, Lower Burrell, PA 15068 or UPMC Children’s Hospital, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA  15224.  Condolences are welcome at www.giglerfuneralhome.com.

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