Obituary of Mary Joyce Chiappetta

Mary Joyce (Joy) Chiappetta, 73, of Auburn, WA died July 28, 2019. The daughter of Russell and Julia Kerstetter, she was born and raised in Beaver Falls, PA. She remained in the area, marrying her husband of nearly 50 years, Francis R. Chiappetta, at New Brighton's St. Joseph's Catholic Church and raising their two children, Jeremy and Mary, in nearby Patterson Heights. In her career, she worked in women’s fashion sales at Foxmore, Kaufman’s, and Doncaster. However, her passion was in volunteering. She spent years teaching adult literacy and serving as a listening ear at Contact. She was a ready and cheerful resource for Mt. Gallitzen Academy. Joy was a person of profound faith and a devoted parishioner at her local Catholic Churches, St. Mary’s and St. Monica’s in western Pennsylvania and most recently St. Vincent de Paul in Federal Way, WA, when she relocated to Auburn, WA in 2017. She was a tireless prayer warrior. Her outgoing personality and playful, quick wit was only exceeded by her eclectic collection of hats for every occasion. Friends greatly enjoyed her Fat Tuesday celebrations and Steelers’ parties. Joy was an exceptionally loving wife, mother, nana, sister, aunt, niece, godmother and a trusted, loyal friend. Joy leaves behind the love of her life and husband, Francis; her son Jeremy, daughter-in-law Christie and their three children (Katelyn, Jackson and Mollie) of Pawtucket, RI; her daughter Mary Mears, son-in-law Christopher and their two children (Julia and Carter) of Auburn, WA; her sister, Mrs. Ted (Karen) Lon; her brother, Bert Kerstetter, plus, several godchildren, cousins, nieces and nephews. If she knew you, she prayed for you. If you knew her, you loved her. A rosary service will be held on August 1st at 7:30PM at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Federal Way, WA; A funeral mass will be held on August 2nd at 11:00AM also at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. A funeral mass will also take place on August 23rd at 11:00AM at St. Monica’s Catholic Church in Beaver Falls, PA. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Vincent de Paul Society: 30525 8th Ave S, Federal Way, WA 98003 or 116 Thorndale Dr, Beaver Falls, PA 15010.