Joann Z. Billek, age 85, of Butler, passed away Monday in the comfort of her home with her loving family at her side.

Born in Butler on October 16, 1932, she was a daughter of the late Anthony and Emma Pizzi Zitalone.

Joann graduated from Butler Area High School and Mercy Hospital School of Nursing.  She worked in the tuberculosis ward at Butler VA Hospital, Butler Memorial Hospital, and completed her career at the Butler ARMCO Plant Hospital.

Joann had an everlasting love and devotion for her family, and enjoyed spending her time cheering on her children and grandchildren in their many academic, artistic, and athletic endeavors.  She was a member of Saint Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church where she was an avid volunteer for St. Michael's dinners, festivals, and the parish's adoration chapel.

Joann is survived by her husband, John D. Billek, whom she married September 8, 1956; three daughters, Colleen Duespohl and her husband, Tom, of Butler, Becky Sanzotti and her husband, Vince, of Butler, and Barbara Billek-Sawhney and her husband, Rajiv Sawhney, of Pittsburgh; one sister, Mary Jane Patrizio, of Downingtown, PA; one brother, Rick Zitalone, of Butler; seven grandchildren, Jessica Sanzotti and Aaron Henley, Damien Sanzotti and Katie, Ashley Duespohl, Gabe Sawhney and Tiffany, Emiley Neudorfer and Ben, Isaiah Sawhney, and Tori Sawhney, as well as a number of nieces and nephews.

Joann also has two precious great-granddaughters, Aria Sanzotti and Sienna Sanzotti, and she was eagerly awaiting the birth of her third great-grandchild.

Joann was preceded in death by a brother, Anthony Zitalone, Jr., and a sister, Marjorie Robison.

Friends will be received in the Martin Funeral Home, Inc., 429 Center Avenue, Butler, on Wednesday from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday at 10 a.m. from Saint Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church, 432 Center Avenue, Butler.

Burial will take place in St. Michael's Cemetery.

The Bereavement Group of St. Michael's parish will meet at the funeral home on Wednesday at 3 p.m. to conduct a scriptural wake service.

The family requests memorial donations to Butler Catholic School, 515 East Locust Street, Butler, 16001, or to St. Michael the Archangel Church, 432 Center Avenue, Butler, 16001.