Joan Heller, 86, of Union Dale, died peacefully Saturday, September 5th at Hospice of the Sacred Heart, Dunmore surrounded by her loving family.  Her husband of 49 years was the late Dean R. Heller.

Born in Simpson, daughter of the late Michael and Christine Figel Natishak, and step daughter of the late Rose Mihelc Natishak, she was a member of Saint John’s Byzantine Catholic Church, Forest City.  She was a graduate of Forest City High School.  She touched many lives as an employee of the Head Start Program where she became affectionately known as “Mrs. Heller”.  Her love for children continued beyond retirement as she found joy in giving to kids in the community and being a “Grandmother” to many.  She truly cherished her children and grandchildren who appreciated her great sense of humor.  In addition to spending time with the kids, she enjoyed picking blueberries, baking pies, sitting on the beach, and most especially, scratching bingo tickets or going to the casino.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Hospice of the Sacred Heart and Dr. Matthew Haley and his staff for the compassionate care given to Joan as her Alzheimer’s Disease progressed.

Surviving are her six children: James Heller and wife Lisa, Patricia Cino and husband James, William Heller and wife Barb, all of Union Dale, Margaret and husband Stanley Zory, Forest City, Susan Calabro and husband Philip, Union Dale, and Mary Ciamaichelo and husband Frank, Philadelphia;  ten grandchildren: Marissa McAndrew and husband Joseph, Sara Baker and husband Steven, Dominic, Amanda, Rachelle, Elizabeth, Frankie, Chloe, Clara, and Tony; four great grandchildren: Isabel, Joseph, Braxton, and Maddox; two sisters: Pauline Shager, Union Dale, and Romayne Romyn, Dunmore; a brother: Donald Natishak, Forest City; and several nieces and nephews.

She was also preceded in death by a son: Thomas Heller; two brothers: Michael and Joseph Natishak; a step sister: Tootsie Johnson; and a step brother: Joe Mihelc.

Private funeral services will be held Wednesday, September 9th in Saint John’s Byzantine Catholic Church, Forest City, followed by a graveside service at 11:30 am in the Union Dale Cemetery.  Friends may call Tuesday, from 4 to 7 pm at the Jones & Brennan Funeral Home, 430 Main Street, Forest City.  Parastas Services will be held Tuesday at 4 pm.  Face masks are required and social distancing protocols will be followed.

Memorial donations may be made to Saint John’s Byzantine Catholic Church, 306 Susquehanna Street, Forest City, PA 18421.