Obituary of Joan Holzapfel Ali

Joan Ali passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 13th at her home in Bonita Springs, FL, surrounded by her family. She was 92 years old. Joan was born on November 23, 1930 in Pittsburgh to William and Erma Holzapfel. She attended Dormont High School, and a few years after graduating, married Joseph Ali on August 19, 1950. Joan and Joe settled in Bridgeville, close to many other family members, and they had three daughters. While primarily focused on raising her daughters, Joan enjoyed music and dancing and socializing with friends and family. Many fond memories were made during summers at Deep Creek boating, swimming, and having summer fun at the lake. Joan, or “Gigi” as those close to her knew her, relocated to Florida with Joe in 1994 to escape the Pennsylvania winters. They initially settled in Punta Gorda, but eventually moved to Bonita Springs to be closer to two of her daughters and her grandchildren. She enjoyed cooking, entertaining, playing golf, competitive card games of gin, and an occasional glass of Paesano red wine with ice cubes in it. Joan cherished spending time with Joe, enjoying going out for lunch or dinner, and dancing together, even if only in their living room. She loved the big family gatherings at the holidays, surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and friends. Gigi had an infectious laugh, sharp wit, and a big smile. We will miss her greatly. Joan was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Jack. She is survived by her husband Joe; her daughters and son-in-laws Laura and Mike Gibbons, Jackie and Don Story, and Debi and Bill Roth; her grandchildren Isaac, Alia and Elliott Roth and Joey Story; step-grandchildren Saranac Harris and Gretchen Pangilinan. Family and friends received on Sunday from 1-5 PM at the Warchol Funeral Home Inc., 3060 Washington Pike, Bridgeville (412.221.3333), where a Blessing Service will held on Monday at 11:30 AM. Interment will take place on Tuesday at 1:30 PM at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or the Alzheimer’s association.