Joanne Tucci

Joanne F. (Zashtaft) Tucci, 86, passed away on February 2, 2025. She was the widow of the late John N. Tucci.

Born in Reading, she was the daughter of the late Leon M. Zashtaft and Stella (Folga) Zashtaft. Joanne graduated from Mt. Penn High School. She worked at Bell Telephone as a telephone operator. She was married soon after graduating to Robert F. Rutkowski of Mt. Penn (deceased). Together they had four children.

Joanne had many jobs over the years and enjoyed working with the public. She liked being able to meet and help people. She was a friendly and outgoing person. One of her favorite things to do was reading. She loved a good mystery, especially cozy mysteries. She also loved watching movies. Her favorite movie was "Some Like It Hot" but she also thoroughly enjoyed spooky movies. I remember many times sitting and watching some good old "spookies" with her as we were growing up. She was a wonderful mother and definitely our better half. She was our anchor and we will miss her more than words can say. She loved us so deeply and we all felt her love everyday. For all the time we had, we are so blessed to have shared in her life. Her presence in our lives will be deeply missed forever.

Joanne will be remembered by her two daughters, Lorraine Rutkowski of Kenhorst and Jennifer A., wife of Jeffrey A. Heinly of Muhlenberg Twp. She is also survived by her three grandchildren, Heather Strom, Ethan Heinly, Ryan Blankenbiller and great-grandson, Michael.

She is predeceased by her children Kevin Rutkowski and Cyndi Rutkowski.

Services will be private at the request of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Joanne's honor to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741 or online at https://donate.cancer.org.