Of South Side, peacefully passed on to heaven on Saturday, July 9, 2016.  Beloved daughter of the late Louis and Stella Witek; loving sister of the late Thomas Witek, Nancy (Greg) Fitzpatrick and sister-in-law Dee Witek; aunt Jojo of Bernadine (Scott) Thomas, Tom (Sue) Witek, Kevin (Lindsay) Fitzpatrick, Brian Fitzpatrick and Kelly Fitzpatrick.  Joan was a lifelong resident of the South Side.  She was a beautiful soul and had a gift for happiness and appreciation for life's small pleasures.  She was best known for her caring and giving nature.  Friends had called her the mayor of South Side because no matter where you went she knew someone there.  Joan loved attending church, dining out , picture taking, playing bingo, dressing up, picnics, ice cream and attending social gatherings and family events.  She was actively involved in the lives of her nieces and nephews and enjoyed attending dance recitals, sporting events, birthday and holiday celebrations.  Following the death of her parents Joan went to live with Emmaus Community where she was embraced with love, respect an true appreciation of the special gift and talents she shared with the staff and residents who became an extension of her family.  Joan loved collecting angels and it seems fitting that we remember her as our own special angel watching over us from heaven.  Friends received at the John J. Gmiter Funeral Home, Ltd., 119 South 15th St., on Friday from 4-8 p.m.  Funeral Prayer on Saturday at 9 a.m.  Mass of Christian Burial in St. Peter Church 2821 Sarah Street,  at 10 a.m. in lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the Emmaus Community. 

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