CHAPIN – Joan Michele Papinchak, 85, formerly of Sandy Run, SC, passed away Thursday, September 16, 2021 in her daughter’s home after suffering a stroke last month. In hospice care for the past month, Joan died peacefully in her sleep and with a smile on her face. Joan was born November 12, 1935 in Braddock, PA, the daughter of the late Michael and Marianne Zachowska Orris. She was greeted in heaven by her husband of 57 years, John M. Papinchak (May 1, 2019). Joan was a devout Roman Catholic and enjoyed watching mass in her later years.
Joan graduated from Seton Hill College in 1957 and was a chemist and biologist. While raising her three children in Greensburg, PA, she taught biology at the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg. In 1984, she relocated to Sandy Run with her husband and taught at Midlands Technical College in Columbia until her retirement. Joan loved her knitting and made countless items for family and friends; and had quite the collection of knitting supplies. Her other passions included reading, gardening, playing lots of card games, especially canasta. She particularly loved her dogs, especially her West Highland Terriers. Most importantly, she was a dedicated wife, loving mom, Meema, Mum-mum and great-grandmother.
Survivors include her sons, John R. Papinchak (Suzanne) and Gary Papinchak (Kim); daughter, Deb Marsh (Jim); nine grandchildren, Sean Knee-Papinchak (Donnie), Seth Marsh (Kelsey), Jason Papinchak (Melissa), Nichole Duckett (Dustin), Matthew Papinchak (McKenzie), Abraham Marsh, Adam Papinchak (Tennille), Abigail Marsh, Simon Marsh; two great-grandchildren, Jack, Alanah, and another expected great-grandchild in December; her brother David (Fe); and several nieces and nephews.
Service will be private and burial in Fort Jackson National Cemetery will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Joan’s honor to Our Lady of the Lake-Chapin (www.ollchapin.org) the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org).
Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com
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