Joanne Jean (Pekala) Spare

Joanne Jean Spare, 82, of Hazle Township, passed away Thursday morning, February 12, 2026, at Lehigh Valley Hospital - Cedar Crest in Allentown. For the last three years she battled illness with remarkable resilience and grace.

Born in Fern Glen, May 19, 1943, she was the daughter of the late Anthony and Catherine (Felegie) Pekala and spent the past 20 years in Hazle Township.

Joanne was a 1961 graduate of Black Creek Twp. High School and four-year varsity cheerleader. During the 1960's she was employed at Tong-Sol, contributing to the production of vacuum and electron tubes that powered the electronics of a generation. Years later, she continued her strong work ethic at OfficeMax, where she diligently packaged orders and enjoyed being part of a team.

She was a member of Saints Cyril and Methodius Parish at the Church of Saint Joseph, Hazleton. She was a previous member of Holy Trinity Slovak Church in Hazleton where she was a member of the choir for over two decades. She was an avid bowler and multiple league member at Bowl Arena, West Hazleton. Joanne was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother and in her spare time enjoyed crocheting, baking, and was the best halupki maker!

She was preceded in death, in addition to her parents, by her devoted husband, to whom she was married on July 12, 1969, James Albert "Jay" Spare who passed away, November 2, 2025.

Surviving are four sons, Jay Albert Spare and spouse Theresa and their children Erin and Joshua; Scott Allen Spare and spouse Cheryl and their children Darren, Lauren, and Tommy; Jeffery James Spare and his children Bryanna and Justin; and Robert Anthony Spare and spouse Heberto; and siblings, Jack Pekala and spouse Patricia; and Donna Marie Colarusso and spouse Chic.

Her funeral will be held with a Memorial Service on Saturday February 28, 2026, at 11 AM from Harman Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc. (East), 669 W. Butler Dr., Drums. Interment will take place privately at the convenience of her family. Friends may call at the funeral home on Saturday morning from 10 AM until the time of the service.

Online condolences can be entered, and more information is available at www.harmanfuneral.com.

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