Joann D. Bradica – Rostraver Township

Joann D. Bradica, 83, of Rostraver Township, died Thursday, May 11, 2023. Born in Rostraver, Turkey Hollow, on Jan. 3, 1940, she was the daughter of the late Joseph W. and Anna Serbak Durka Sr. Joann was a 1957 graduate of Rostraver High School and a 1961 graduate of California University of Pennsylvania, where she received her Bachelor of Science in Education. In her early years, she worked at Hogan’s Golf Course snack bar. Joann also worked beside her late husband at John’s Specialty Meats in Donora. She began teaching at the former LaGrange School and then at the new BVA School District from 1961 to 1969. She also taught at Mon Valley Headstart during the 1970s. Mrs. Bradica was a substitute teacher for 35 years, retiring at age 75. A devout Catholic, Joann served the Lord through active church ministries including playing the organ and serving as a eucharistic minister, lector and parish council member at the former Holy Cross Church in Webster. She also was a Lector and CCD teacher at the Church of St. Anne in Rostraver. Joann was a devoted wife and mother. She played the accordion, was fluent in Slovak and loved cooking traditional Slovak meals, especially during the Easter and Christmas seasons. She is survived by her sons, John Bradica Jr. of Massachusetts, and Jason Bradica and Joel Bradica, both of Rostraver; brother, Joseph W. Durka Jr. of Speers; and nephews and cousins. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John W. Bradica Sr., in 2004.   Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at JAMES C. STUMP FUNERAL HOME INC., 580 Circle Drive, Rostraver Township, 724-929-7934, www.jamesstumpfuneralhome.com, where a blessing service will be held at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 17, 2023, followed by a 10 a.m. funeral Mass at Church of St. Anne, 1870 Rostraver Road, Rostraver, with the Rev. David J. Nazimek presiding.  Entombment will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery. The family requests that all in attendance wear a mask for the visitation and funeral Mass.