Hespenheide

Joan Marie Hespenheide, 87, of Valencia, entered her eternal home on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025, while in the company of her loving children.

Born in Pittsburgh on Nov. 28, 1937, Joan was the daughter of the late Henry and Thelma Walter Guentner.

Joan was a strong, independent, generous and caring lady. A devout Catholic, active member of Holy Sepulcher Church and best friends with Saint Anthony. She devoted much of her time to supporting the Ladies of Charity, Evangelization Committee, visiting shut-ins and participated in many other church activities with her church friends.

Joan enjoyed a 30-plus year career with Giant Eagle in East Liberty and Glenshaw and was proud to be their first woman meat cutter and manager and later became the store personnel manager. She was well-loved by her colleagues and always willing to lend a hand or uplift their spirits.

Joan was the loving mother of Bobbi (Dave) Wass, Lynn (Harry “Bud”) Bender IV, Kenneth Hespenheide and Dennis Hespenheide; sister of Jean Wasielewski and James Guentner; dear grandmother of Katie (Michael) Tweedy, Dana (Jim) Papst, Timothy (Carey) Bender, Lindsay (Doug) Ebken, Marin Hespenheide, Cole Hespenheide, Larisa Hespenheide, Holly (Mikey) Wilbert and the late Harry L. “Buddy” Bender V; and great-grandmother of Leah, Ashlyn, Braden, Landon, Arden, Harlow, Jackson, Levi “Linky,” Tate, Harlee, Archer and Shiloh. She was the loving aunt to many nieces and nephews and a friend to all.

Above all else, Joan’s greatest joy came from spending time with her children and grandchildren — trips, picnics, parties and lazy days at the pool surrounded by those she loved. One of her favorite recent pastimes was watching the birds that came to feed at her windows, especially the cardinals.

Her babies, grandbabies and great-grandbabies were always on her mind and in her heart. Joan’s fabulously feisty personality brought a smile to everyone’s face. No one ever left a visit with Joan without a few chocolates and pretzels. Joan’s memory will carry on through the love she gave her family.

Joan’s children would like to thank the caring and compassionate staff of Concordia at Cranberry, Good Samaritan Hospice and Rosebrook (Sarver).

Joan will always be loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.

HESPENHEIDE — Friends of Joan Marie Hespenheide, who died Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025, will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19, at SCHELLHAAS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, 5864 Heckert Road, Bakerstown.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 20, at Holy Sepulcher Catholic Church. Interment will follow in Holy Savior Catholic Cemetery.

Condolences may be offered at www.schellhaasfh.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.