Joan Becker Gerhard passed away from complications of Parkinson’s disease on Saturday, Dec. 29, 2012 at the age of 81, of Franklin Park.
She had lived with the condition for over 20 years.
Gerhard was born in the Bronx, NY, raising her family with her husband in Mineola, NY before retiring to Pittsburgh in 1991. She was a seamstress, classical piano player and teacher, imparting her passion for music to her children.
She was also a founder and the first president of the Cultural Arts Council in Mineola, NY and graduated Magna Cum Laude from Nassau College, Long Island.
She was the beloved wife of John J. Gerhard; mother of Lynne (Jeffrey) Halik of Rochester, NY, Dan (Cindy) Gerhard of Brooklyn, NY, and Jennifer (Jeffrey) Gerhard Mangone of Ross Township; grandmother of Wendy and Scott Halik and Anna Gerhard; step- grandmother to Jeffrey, Jr. and Gina Mangone; sister of Jack Becker and Constance (Michael) Jennings.
A funeral service was held on Saturday at Simons Funeral Home.
