Josephine J. Catanzaro

Josephine Jean (Joeen) Catanzaro

On Thursday, August 10, 2023, age 90, of Oakmont. Joeen was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Jean Catanzaro; her brothers John (Anna Marie), Joseph, and Frank; and her sister Emanuella Singhose (Everett). She is survived by her sister-in-law Rose Catanzaro and many nieces and nephews, including godchildren James Catanzaro and Allison Singhose. Joeen was an educator, having taught for 41 years. She attended Carnegie Mellon art classes and studied commercial art at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. She obtained a B. A. from Seton Hill University and an M. Ed. from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and also furthered her studies in gifted education at Penn State and the University of Maryland. She received certification in gifted education from the University of Pittsburgh. Joeen became a Sister of Charity of Seton Hill in Greensburg and was known for 19 years as Sister Francis Jean. She taught in the Catholic Diocese of Greensburg, Pittsburgh, and Altoona-Johnstown. She began the art department at Bishop Guilfoyle High School in Altoona and taught fine arts at Sacred Heart High in Pittsburgh. In the Pittsburgh City Schools, Joeen taught middle school gifted students the Fine Arts for 23 years. Joeen also taught calligraphy independently for CCAC and the RCAC Senior Center in Oakmont. She volunteered as a cook for Meals on Wheels for 7 years at the St. Mark Lutheran Church in Springdale. She belonged to the Elizabeth Seton Family, the Italian Social Club, the Dante Aligheri Society, and the St. Judge Lodge of the Italian Sons and Daughters. As a member of St. Irenaeus Parish, she served as an usher and lector, a member of the Pastoral Council, and a member of the adult resurrection choirs. She also facilitated a prayer group for several years. Friends and family will be received on Sunday, August 13, from 2-6PM at English Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 378 Maryland Ave., Oakmont, PA 15139. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, August 14, 2023 at 11AM in Holy Family Parish (St. Irenaeus Church) 387 Maryland Ave., Oakmont, PA 15139. Interment to follow at Allegheny Cemetery. Memorial Donations may be made to the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill at 459 Mt. Thor Road, Greensburg, PA 15601.

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