Joan Fleckenstein

With great sadness the Fleckenstein family announces the passing of their dear mother, Joan McLaughlin Fleckenstein at the age of 83 on October 30, 2014, in the loving arms of her children. Joan was a force of nature. Distinctly irreverent, Joan loved nothing more than a quick mind and a great story. She met her match, to her delight, in her adoring husband, Robert J Fleckenstein. They enjoyed 46, happy years of marriage, the hallmarks of which are three children and dearly loyal friends, at home in Pittsburgh and in the mountains that they loved.


Joan was the daughter of Aloysius T. McLaughlin and Mary Ellen Flaherty McLaughlin. They adored her and instilled the fierce family and Christian values that reign supreme in each generation. Joan leaves behind Stacey Vernallis (Rick Hughes) and their children Mark Laughlin Vernallis , Patrick Vernallis and Jamison Vernallis, all of Pittsburgh and Kiran and Ravi Hughes of Nairobi Kenya; Leslie Ellen McKee (Logan "Sandy" McKee) and their children, Caylin Anne and Logan Alexander McKee IV, both of Burlington, VT; and her "Sun" for whom the sun rose and set, Robert J Fleckenstein II (Lesley Viviano Fleckenstein) and their darlings, Robert J Fleckenstein III and Laughlin Fay Fleckenstein.

Joan just adored her sisters and brother, and their remarkable spouses: Aloysius T. McLaughlin, deceased, (Mary Lou who paved the highway to heaven); Carol Provan (Brian) and Judy McGinnis (Richard). Aunt Joan's nieces and nephews brought joy and pride: Marcia White, Joseph Fleckenstein, Mary Beth Leech (Christopher), Aloysius T. McLaughlin III (Nora), J Brendan McLaughlin (Susie), Pamela Provan Barrogate (Bryan), Daniel Laughlin Provan (Amy), Connor Laughlin McGinnis, Macauley McGinnis and scores of gorgeous and talented grand nieces and nephews whose antics she followed on Face Book.

Joan was devoted to and we cherish our Aunt Lois Maloy- together friends since 1948, making life a grand adventure and finding the funny side of anything. Their annual trips to Florida were legendary. Joan's kids especially want to acknowledge our Aunt Lois' role in moving Mom from grief to joy when her beloved Fleck passed.


Honey, as Joan was known, pioneered a path of fun wherever she went and never met a stranger. Born in Braddock PA and raised in Swissvale, she graduated from Swissvale High and completed a secretarial degree at Robert Morris College and worked at the District Attorney's Office for such rising stars as the Honorable Pete Flaherty and Silvestri Silvestri. Her true calling was motherhood. She was master of the Loaves and the Fishes and created a magical mountain experience with their friends Phil and Laura Reese and their children Laura Jean, Meg, Cathy and Michelle in their home dubbed "Honey's Christmas House" She loved the Mountain Club and its many members. She enjoyed Skiing at Seven Springs; a drink at Helen's; sitting on the deck watching her humming birds and sitting with Lois watching the ships pass by at their Florida winter getaway. Joan loved her Steelers and her politics. Friends welcome Sunday 2-7pm, William Slater II Funeral Service (412-563-2800) 1650 Greentree Rd, Scott Twp. Mass of Christian Burial 11:00a.m. Monday, S.S. Simon and Jude Church. Interment will be private by family only.