Joanne M. (Zanella) Rovder

Rovder – Joanne M. (Zanella), 81, Johnstown, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on September 17, 2020.  Born February 3, 1939, in Barnesboro, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Eugene and Margaret (Mongelluzzo) Zanella.  Preceded in death by parents; siblings Amato Zanella, Richard Zanella, Florence Winne, and Esther Swerbinsky; and grandson Ryan Fleming.  Survived by her loving family: husband of 59 years, Francis Rovder; children Linda Fleming and husband Thomas Jr. of Johnstown, Karen Koenig and husband Thomas of Sewickley, and Paula Schmitt and husband Jerry of Pittsburgh; and grandchildren Tyler Fleming, Justin Koenig, and Matthew Schmitt.  Also survived by brother Eugene Zanella, and wife Kay; brother-in-law Joseph Swerbinsky, and sister-in-law Lois Zanella, all of Northern Cambria; sister-in-law Michelle Zanella of Denville, NJ; and many nieces and nephews.  Joanne was a 1957 graduate of Northern Cambria High School and a 1960 graduate of the Mercy Hospital School of Nursing.  She worked as a Registered Nurse at Miners Hospital and Mercy Hospital before her 22-year career at the Allegheny Lutheran Home.  Joanne was a longtime member of St. Clement Catholic Church, where she volunteered and sang in the Funeral Choir.  Joanne was a devoted mother and grandmother, known for her cooking and baking.  Everyone had their favorites: pepperoni rolls, apple dumplings, German chocolate cake, blueberry cake, etc.  Joanne enjoyed being at home, and she loved to spend time with her family more than anything else.  She was a four-time cancer survivor.  The family gratefully acknowledges Dr. Rashid Awan and the staff of UPMC Hillman Cancer Center for caring for Joanne since 2002; the caregivers at Windber Hospice, especially Dr. Kelly Warshel, Anita,  Jann and Peggy, for their compassionate and loving care during her final illness; and the staff at Laurel View Village for making her last residence a true “home.”  There will be no public visitation however, family and friends are invited to attend a funeral Mass at 10 a.m. Monday, September 21, 2020, at St. Clement Catholic Church, the Rev. William E. Rosenbaum officiating. Masks and social distancing are required. Committal at Grandview Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Clement Church in memory of Joanne. The family is being served by the Francis G. Ozog Funeral Home, Broad Street, Johnstown.

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