Joy Kalina Obituary

Joy Joan Kalina, 93, of North Huntingdon, passed away peacefully in her home on Feb. 26, 2026. Joy was born on Mother's Day, May 8, 1932, to Mona and Charles Hepler of New Kensington. Until her retirement, Joy was employed as manager of facilities planning by Allegheny International Corporation. Fulfilling the dream of obtaining a college education, she graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 1983 with a Bachelor of Science degree and a dual major in psychology and economics. In 1998, she received a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in the history of architecture and fine arts. She graduated Magna Cum Laude in both 1983 and 1998, belonging to the Alpha Sigma Lambda and Golden Key Honor Societies. She strongly believed in giving back to her community. After her retirement, she volunteered for the Carnegie Museum of Natural History's In-School and Museum on the Move programs. She was a docent for the Westmoreland Museum of American Art, a weekly volunteer at the Norwin Public Library; she served on the Board of Directors for the Grand Army of the Republic's Personal Care Home and was a deacon at Calvary United Church of Christ in Turtle Creek. In addition, Joy spearheaded Hope Bears in memory of beloved friends and family who passed from cancer. These handmade tokens spread hope to others and raised monetary donations for the American Cancer Society and various other charities. Joy and her husband of 70 years, Calvin, former owner of I. Fineman and Company, traveled extensively throughout the United States and abroad. They enjoyed spending their winters in Naples, FL. She also enjoyed golfing, swimming, reading, and playing bridge and pinochle. Her special gift was entertaining family and friends in her home being the personified hospitality genius. Many were touched by her attentive and generous heart. Joy is survived by her brother, Charles Hepler; nieces, Kathy (Patrick) Richards, Leia Richards, Paulette Skinner, Bonnie Rudy, and Heather (Eric) Wenning; and nephews, Thomas Kalina, Kenneth Kalina, Richard Zoretich, and Timothy (Debbie) Zoretich. Joy was preceded in death by her husband, Calvin; and her beloved niece, Darlene Zoretich. Her brother, Charles, would like to thank the following family and friends for their loving care and devotion to Joy: Rich Zoretich, Tim and Debbie Zoretich, Dianne Yagle, and Connie Harrison. Friends will be received from 1 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., Monday, March 2, 2026, at JOBE FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY INC., 118 Shaw Ave., Turtle Creek (412-823-1950). A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at The First Presbyterian Church in Irwin. Interment to follow at Church Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to a public library or a charity of your choice. www.jobefuneralhome.com.