Joan Mary Dunch, 81, formerly of Sharon, PA, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 24, 2025, in Salado, TX, where she had made her home for the past five years.

Born on May 27, 1943, in Sharon, Joan was the beloved daughter of the late Everett and Alice (Logan) Ogden. A proud graduate of Sharon High School, Class of 1962, she continued her education at Thiel College in Greenville, PA. She ended up getting a line lead position at General Motors - Delphi Packard Electric Division in Warren, Ohio in 1964 and worked there until 1971.  In 1986, she earned her certification as a Qualified Medical Assistant through Ivy Tech in Muncie, IN, fulfilling her deep calling to care for the elderly in long-term care settings.

Joan devoted more than 15 years to the field of healthcare administration, culminating her career as Director of Medical Records at Life Care Center of Charleston, SC, before retiring in 1998.  Her work was marked by compassion, diligence, and a genuine love for those she served.

A woman of deep faith, Joan was a lifelong Catholic and a devoted member of the former Church of the Sacred Heart in Sharon. Her spirituality was a guiding light throughout her life.

Joan passed away after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson's disease. Throughout her illness, she faced each day with remarkable grace, strength, and dignity. Never one to complain, she met her challenges with quiet resilience and an unwavering spirit that inspired all who knew her.

Joan was a woman of many talents and passions. She had a remarkable gift for creativity—whether she was baking in the kitchen, crafting, or painting, her hands were always busy making something beautiful. She had a deep love for music and an impeccable sense of fashion. Joan was always up to date with the latest trends, yet she carried them with a style uniquely her own—elegant, expressive, and full of personality. Whether humming along to her favorite tunes or stepping out in a perfectly chosen outfit, she brought joy and flair to every room she entered.

She remained active and vibrant throughout her life, enjoying exercise classes, roller skating, and ice skating. But above all, Joan's greatest joy came from her family. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, and a proud grandmother and great-grandmother, who delighted in every moment spent with her loved ones.

Anyone who ever knew Joan and her beloved husband, Nick, knew that theirs was a love story written in the stars. Their marriage was a shining example of unwavering devotion, mutual respect, and deep affection—a bond so strong and enduring, it seemed heaven-sent. Together for 52 beautiful years, they were each other's greatest support and joy, and their love continues to inspire all who were blessed to witness it.

She was preceded in death by Nick, whom she married on October 24, 1964. He passed away on May 28, 2017.

Joan's legacy lives on through her three children: Nick Dunch of Indianapolis, IN; Natalie Lawrence (significant other, Brian Rowles) of Muncie, IN; and Neil Dunch (William Lowery) of Salado, TX. She is also survived by her seven grandchildren—Kenzie Lawrence, Wyatt Lawrence, Marie Lawrence Bryne (Tyler), Emma Lawrence, Kayla Dunch, Anna Dunch, and Nicholas Dunch—and her great-granddaughter, Brielle Bryne.

She is lovingly remembered by her sisters-in-law: MaryAnn Bialko (Vern) of Vienna, OH; Rose Marie "Re Re" Rowe (Terry) of Hermitage, PA; Annella Ogden Wilmington, NC; Cindy Dunch of Hubbard, OH; along with former son-in-law Shannon Lawrence and daughter-in-law Alison Froehlich many nieces, nephews, and cousins who were dear to her heart.

In addition to her parents and husband, Joan was preceded in death by her brothers, Bartholomew "Bart" and James "Jim" Ogden; her sister, Genevieve "Jenny" Croteau; brothers-in-law, William Dunch and Lou Croteau; and sister-in-law, Peg Cione.

The family suggests memorial contributions be directed in Mom's memory to two organizations she deeply supported: The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research by visiting https://give.michaeljfox.org/give/421686/#!/donation/checkout and LOVE (Letting Our Visions Evolve) by visiting https://www.lettingourvisionsevolve.com /

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during calling hours from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 19, 2025, at J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon. A time of reflection and sharing will follow at 6 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12 noon on Friday, June 20, 2025, at St. Joseph Church, 79 Case Ave., Sharon, with Rev. James Power officiating.

Joan will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband at St. Mary Cemetery, Hermitage.