It is with sorrow and gratitude that we mark the passing of Joanne Takarchek of PINE GROVE MILLS, PA — sorrow at the loss, gratitude for the life.
A life remembered begins, simply, with the telling.
Time has its way of binding people together.
Joanne (Hrivnak) Takarchek, 91, of Bellefonte, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at Centre Care Nursing Home. Born on April 16, 1935, in Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of the late John F. and Annette (Senik) Hrivnak. Joanne met her future husband, Peter Takarchek, through the Federated Russian Orthodox Club, where they attended conventions and enjoyed bowling tournaments together. On July 23, 1966, they were united in marriage at Holy Resurrection Church in Forest Hills. Peter, the love of her life, preceded her in death on November 2, 2007.
Together, they shared a devoted marriage and raised their daughter, Tamara. After Tamara left for college, Joanne dedicated herself to caring for elderly members of her community, reflecting her lifelong compassion and generosity. Later, Joanne and Peter moved to Bellefonte to be closer to Tamara and her family.
Joanne was employed as a secretary at Westinghouse Electric for many years prior to her retirement. She was a faithful and active member of Holy Trinity Orthodox Church in State College.
A woman of deep kindness, Joanne generously gave her time volunteering with various charitable organizations, especially her church. She and Peter cherished time spent with their grandchildren, always eager to babysit and be part of their lives. Joanne also enjoyed crafting, particularly jewelry-making, and was a member of the Red Hat Society, where she formed many joyful friendships.
Joanne is survived by her beloved grandchildren, Lily M. Reese and Winston J. Reese, both of Arizona, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her loving daughter, Tamara Reese and one brother, William Hrivnak.
A public visitation will be held on Thursday, May 7, 2026, from 7–8 p.m., with a Panikhida Service at 7:30 p.m., and again on Friday, May 8, 2026, from 10–11 a.m. at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church in State College. The funeral service will follow at the church, officiated by Archpriest Alexander Cadman. Joanne will be laid to rest beside her husband at Pine Grove Cemetery. If you are unable to attend, you can view the services online at: https://youtube.com/live/EK7hd2RlP44?feature=share
Memorial contributions may be made to Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, 119 S. Sparks Street, State College, PA 16801.
https://onrealm.org/holytrinityoca/-/form/give/now
Arrangements have been entrusted to Daughenbaugh Funeral Home, Inc., in Milesburg, Pennsylvania. An online guestbook may be signed, and condolences shared with the family at www.daughenbaughfuneralhome.com.
