Joanne Rose Oleck, M.D.

On December 12, 2019
22 Comments

Dr. Joanne Rose Oleck, age 65, passed away peacefully after a brief illness in her Moon Township home on Thursday, December 12, 2019
surrounded by her loving family.

She was born and raised in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, and was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Gilda (Bevilacqua) Fickulak.

She is survived by her loving husband, Michael Oleck, and one daughter, Halley (Matt) Schwartz of Northfield, Minnesota; two sisters: Diane (Dan) Baker and Nancy (Carl) Maronde; sisters-in-law: Margaret (Leon) Wilkerson, Shirley (the late Barry) McHugh, and Barbara Oleck; four nieces and six nephews; her precious companion, Angel and grand-dogs, Zoe and Cato.

Joanne was a graduate of Canon-McMillan High School, the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, and the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biochemistry and Biophysics, a Master of Science Degree in Human Genetics, and a Doctor of Medical Science Degree, specializing in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Following a residency at the Indiana University Medical Center in Indianapolis, IN, Joanne practiced at many local hospitals including: Allegheny General Hospital, UPMC Medical Center, Mercy Hospital, Magee Women’s Hospital, and Jefferson Hills Center, and was an associate in private practice. She volunteered many years traveling to Guatemala with Surgicorps International using her medical skills to care for underprivileged women.

She had many hobbies and interests including art, music, and travel. Joanne recently attained a copyright for her original design trademark for her hand painted silk scarves. She worked her way through school as a docent at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History and as an EMT. Joanne was devoted to her family, friends, many patients, and her family pets.

Friends will be received at Pittsburgh Cremation and Funeral Care 5405 Steubenville Pike Robinson Township, PA 15136 on December 15, 2019 from 1:00-4:00pm and 6:00-8:00pm. The funeral service will be held at St. Philip Catholic Church 50 W. Crafton Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 151205 on Monday, December 16, 2019 at 10:00am.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to: Humane Animal Rescue, North Side Animal Resource Center 1101 Western Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15233 and Surgicorps International 3392 Saxonburg Blvd., Suite # 400 Glenshaw, PA 15116.

Please view and sign the family’s guestbook at www.PittsburghCremation.com

22 Comments

JJ Janos

Dec 15 2019

Remembering Dr. Joanne Rose Fickulak Oleck M.D.! Joanne was an uncommon Doctor, Wife, Mother, Sister and Friend. Living up to her Namesake, the Feminine form of John, derived from Latin Name Johanna in Hebrew of "God Is Gracious"! Coming to terms with a loss of is perhaps the most difficult task for all families and friends. In the coming days ahead we will all find our own ways to grieve for Joanne instead celebrate her life that healed many Strangers that few of us ever knew. Indeed, Pittsburgh 3 Hospitals were blessed with Joanne's Grace & Extraordinary Practice often working 12-18 Hour Days including Volunteering her Professional Expertise Skills for those in Poverty but still in need such as Surgicorps International in Foreign Nations. One story given at a Fundraiser was about a Guatemala Patient in Pain with little ability to speak English. They said, when Joanne would walk into their room they could see "Joanne Smile" and it would turn their day around. They talked about the beautiful Yankee Doctor with such "Confident Eyes" that would stare their fears away. Later in recovery, when they seldom could talk, they would just Mirror their own Eyes and Smiles back to Dr. Oleck that could see what their own Happy Hearts were saying with Secret Tears of Silence of Pure Gratitude. Today, our thoughts should not Mourn Joanne's Passing but remembering how many moments none of knew how others she served were feeling the most despair and Joanne took them by the hand and helped them to look beyond those moments of doubts on life. Joanne's inherent courage, endurance and dedication was known throughout the Community, County and Country. As a Healer, Joanne, accomplish not just her own "Impossible Dream", but shared this "Gift of Talent Spiritually”, so others may live out their own dreams but with the exceptional candor by helping others first and foremost without complaint. Unlike us that never were Physicians our Hearts must recover over time as well. One way to do that is to accept that Joanne's Death is only a stage in which one exists only in the memory of others which is why it is not an end. So, No Goodbyes. since Joanne is still here in everyone of your own Good Memories. Our thoughts now should be turning to each other and comforting by sharing our own story about how Joanne touched life touched us and others. Our thoughts are not for just for Joanne, but for ourselves thinking how empty it will be without her presence but how many none of know are now living elsewhere due to Joanne's Dedicated Life of Medicine that has many People Living today. Remembering on their Darkest Days Joanne's Eyes & Smiles that help Heal and made them well. Tribute "Joanne Song", for Mike & Halley: https://youtu.be/BQzwOH6arzE Song for Friends & Families: https://youtu.be/AA9VExCEV_k JJ Janos

Kevin McNary

Dec 18 2019

Joanne was a beautiful and accomplished woman who never failed to brighten my day whenever I was lucky enough to see her. She was a great friend and classmate and I shall miss her dearly. My deepest condolences to her family upon losing her way too soon. She was a gem, and a rare and lovely one.

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