Joanne Stoy

STOY---Joanne (Beringer), 95, formally of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on November 24, 2025, in Spokane, Washington, in the loving care of her daughter and under the compassionate support of Hospice of Spokane.
Born September 25, 1930, in Cherry Tree, Pennsylvania, Joanne was the only child of Harold and Virginia Beringer. Though she grew up without siblings, she always imagined a lively, bustling household. While working as a personal shopper at Penn Traffic, she met co-worker Kaye Stoy, who introduced her to her brother, Roger. A blind date quickly grew into a beautiful partnership, and Joanne soon found herself lovingly welcomed into Roger's warm and spirited Irish Catholic family of twelve children. Sunday gatherings at the Stoy home overflowed with laughter, the warm scent of matriarch Julia's homemade bread, and the joyful, lively chaos Joanne had longed dreamed of calling her own.
Joanne and Roger married in 1956 and built a home rooted in faith, love, and devotion to one another. Together, they prayed the Rosary daily and nurtured a deep reverence for the Blessed Mother. They were active members of St Patrick's in Moxham before joining St. John Gaulbert, where they formed lifelong friendships. Joanne served faithfully as an Eucharistic Minister, bringing the Holy Sacrament to the sick and homebound, a reflection of her compassionate spirit.
Her grandchildren were the great joy of her life. Holidays at "Grams's" house were cherished, and she and Roger rarely missed a concert, sporting event, and school activity. Annual family trips to the North Carolina beaches became beloved traditions with days filled with surf, sand, laughter, and memories she recounted with pride throughout her life. She delighted in celebrating her grandchildren's milestones, accomplishments, and growing families.
Joanne lost the love of her life after sixty years of marriage. Although deeply heartbroken, her unwavering faith carried her through. She later moved to Tucson, Arizona, and then to Spokane, to be near her daughter. Wherever she lived, Joanne formed lasting friendships. Her warmth, humor, and gentle kindness drew people close. She loved dressing up for Halloween, participating in community outings, and finding joy in the simple moment of daily life. Her senior residence in Spokane offered Catholic Mass most days of the week, becoming a spiritual refuge . She faithfully led the nightly Rosary, a practice that brought her, and those around her, peace. As her health declined and hospice care became necessary, the outpouring of love from friends and family across the country stood as a testament to her failty, her kindness, and the generosity with which she lived.
Joanne was proceeded in death by parents, her beloved husband of sixty years, Roger William Stoy; her eldest daughter, Linda Ann (Thomas) Thompson; infant daughter, Susan Marie; and sisters-in-law Margaret Beiswenger, Dorothy Mansfield, Marie Geisel, Martha Janet Stoy, Regina Nosel, Judy Egbert, Catherine Stoy, Bonita Stoy; as well as brothers-in-law Donnie Ray Stoy and Russ Stoy.
She is survived by her daughter, Catherine (Robert) Black; sisters-in-law Jackie (Richard) Fetchko and Mary Jo (Russel) Stoy; grandchildren Eric (Christine) Thompson, Erin Marie (Stephen) Marks, and Ethan (Samantha) Thompson; great-grandchildren Emerson Rose Thompson, Stephen Anthony Marks, Jr, Josephine Ruby Thompson; and niece Jo-Anne Owens (Bill) Murray;
Joanne's life was one defined by faith, devotion, family, and a heart wide open to others. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.
A memorial mass will be held on Monday at 11:00 at St. John Gualbert Cathedral. Interment at Grandview Cemetery. John Henderson Co. Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. www.hendersonfuneralhome.com
 

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