Of South Fayette, returned to Our Lord on Friday, October 13, 2017 after a short fight against cancer. Joanne was born in the Bronx, NY, was raised in Brooklyn, NY and Lindenhurst, NY, and started married life in Hauppauge, NY, where she owned and operated the Sweetwater School of Dance. Additionally, she was a former resident of Ross Township, PA and Sharon, PA. Joanne was preceded in death by her father and mother, John (Jack) and Helen (Sullivan) Murphy, and a son, James Joseph Britt. Joanne is survived by her beloved husband of 47 years, Thomas; her sons, Thomas and Sean (Sara) Britt; her daughter, Helen (Sterling) Simmons; four cherished grandchildren: James Simmons, Jack Britt, Riley Simmons, and Liam Simmons; her sisters: Eileen Udle, Patricia Sawyer, and Regina (Thomas) Bozeth; and many nieces and nephews. Besides being a loving mother and wife, Joanne was a teacher and principal in the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh from which she retired. She taught at St. Bonaventure in Shaler, PA and Holy Spirit in Millvale, PA. She was Principal of McKeesport Central Catholic School in McKeesport, PA, St. Mary of the Mount in Pittsburgh, PA, and Assumption in Bellevue, PA. Funeral arrangements by BEINHAUER-FRYER, 412-221-3800. Friends are welcome at 430 Washington Avenue, Bridgeville, PA 15017 on Monday from 6-8 p.m. and Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Holy Child Parish, Bridgeville on Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. Interment will be in Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Catholic school of your choice. Please view and add tributes at www.beinhauer.com.