Joan N. Raczka

Joan passed away July 7, 2020, after a short illness at Hamot Hospital in Erie, Pa. She was 78 years old.

She was a beloved daughter born to the late Walter and Julia Kulpa Raczka on March 30, 1942.

After graduating from Dunkirk High School in 1960, she worked at Hamot Hospital where she also drew and painted murals of Disney characters for the pediatric wing.Later she worked for Dr. William Wilhelm in Erie, Pa., until she retired.Joan was a lifelong resident of Dunkirk at her childhood home, where she gave all of herself and her time to her family that she dearly loved.She truly enjoyed spending time with her sister and best friend, Ardene Dimmer.She was a multi-talented artist and a wonderful cook. She loved decorating for every holiday and made them special for the family, especially celebrating Christmas Eve and Easter traditions along with a Smorgasburg of Polish foods.Joan had an open door policy and in recent years even allowed a special cat named Buddy to reside with her in her home.

Survivors include sister Ardene Raczka Dimmer; sister-in-law Elaine Raczka; nieces and nephews, Keith Rankin, Sandy Hadley, Marla Carter, Laura Ball, Craig Rankin. James Scott Dimmer, Lynne Dimmer, John Dimmer, Sheila Cannon, David Raczka Jr. and MaryJo Scienza; and great nieces and nephews, Kimberly, Lisa, Sara, Angela, Natalie, Ashly, Brett, Addam, Hunter, Bradley, Kevin, Jessica, Miranda, Vincent, Melyssa and Shayna.Several great, great nieces and nephews also survive.In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by two brothers, Ronald Rankin (Gail) and David Raczka Sr., brother-in-law James N. Dimmer and niece Lorene Raczka Jewell.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date to be announced.