Joan E. (Bertovich) LaRue

On Saturday, January 2, 2021, Joan "Mert" Bertovich LaRue passed away suddenly and peacefully at the age of 84 while residing in a nursing home in Bethel Park, PA. She is survived by her children, Renee (Terry) Walsh, Rebecca LaRue, Lisa Schroth, and Lance LaRue. She was the very proud grandmother of Sean (Margaret) Walsh, Meghann Walsh, Brian Anderson, Emily LaRue, Mandy Schroth and Leona Schroth; and great-grandmother of Nolan Walsh and Abigail Walsh. Joan was born in Charleroi and was the youngest of six children. Her parents died when she was only seven (her mother) and sixteen (her father) and her siblings helped to raise her. Mert's 'packed bags' became a trademark of how she lived her life. All of her siblings preceded her in death. She was a part of a Card Club started in Dormont with women who remained lifelong friends and were an important part of her life for over 50 years. Joan was employed by Giant Eagle for 32 years and made many friends through Giant Eagle. After her retirement from Giant Eagle, Joan worked for the Allegheny Intermediate's Unit's early intervention preschool program (DART) as a day to day paraprofessional sub. Supporting the children and teachers of this program fulfilled her giving heart. She eventually also worked in DART's central office helping with various office tasks. Mert had an overabundance of joy, light, and love. She gave it readily and easily and was always willing to help in whatever way she could to those in need. She loved to make people laugh and her April Fools' Day birthday, April 1, was a motivator for her antics. She will forever be remembered as 'the life of the party.' She was loved by many. Funeral services will be private on Thursday, January 7, 2021 at BALL FUNERAL CHAPEL, INC. in Brookline. The family suggests a donation to the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank to honor her., https://www.pittsburghfoodbank.org/

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