Obituary of Joan Bernadine Overberger

Mrs. Joan B. Overberger, 88, passed away peacefully Monday, March 15, 2021. Joan was born February 6, 1933 in Barnesboro, Pennsylvania. Joan’s parents were George and Mary Hermalik of Barnesboro PA., Joan was one of Eight siblings. Mary and Ben Neighbor of Hastings PA., John and Dorothy Kostura of Indiana PA., George and Angie Hermalik of Altoona PA., Jack and Bernice Hermalik of Leigh Acres FL., Harry and Jean Demay of Erie PA., John and Aileen Bashista of Fairfax VA and Eleanor Hermalik who passed three months after birth. Joan graduated from Barnesboro High School in 1951 and moved to Washington DC to be an administration assistant to the Office of Secretary of The Air Force at the Pentagon. On April 25, 1957 Joan received the Superior Performance Accomplishment Award by the Honorable Dudley C. Sharpe Assistance Secretary of the Air Force. She received numerous achievement awards in recognition of her commitment to excellence. It was during this time she met her future husband, James who was finishing his master’s degree of Science in Restoration Dentistry at the University of Michigan. The two married and moved to Morgantown WV., as James was one of four original faculty staff members to initial the School of Dentistry in 1957. James served over 52 years as Associate Dean at West Virginia School of Dentistry. James preceded her in death on June 22, 2017. Joan served as an officer at Vincent Pallotti Hospital and earned a lifetime membership for her commitment of services. Joan served on the Woman’s Dental Auxiliary to the West Virginia State Dental Society, member, and leader of the Apollonian Dental Student Wives organization of WVU, North Carolina Durham Orange County Dental Auxiliary and President of Monongalia County Dental Auxiliary. Joan achieved her Realtors license and became an Associate Broker with Pat Stewart Real Estate, she retired with over twenty years in the business. As a devout Catholic and longtime member of Good Counsel Friary and St. Luke’s, Joan assisted with many fundraiser events to help support the church and community. Joan is survived by her two sons, James Overberger, and his wife Leila of Shadyside OH. and Eric Overberger and his wife Christal of Washington PA. Family and friends will be received at Hastings Funeral Home, 153 Spruce St., Morgantown, on Sunday, March 21st from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with Holy Rosary and Vigil services being held at 7:30 pm. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 1 Guthrie Lane, Morgantown, Monday, March 22nd at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Msgr. Anthony Cincinnati, STD, VE and Father Biju V. DeVassy as concelebrants. Entombment will be at St. Mary Peace Garden Mausoleum. Due to COVID-19, all guests are asked to maintain social distancing and wear a mask. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the Dr. James E. Overberger and Joan B. Overberger Continuing Education Fund. Checks may be made to the WVU Foundation, P.O. Box 1530 Morgantown, WV, 26507-1650. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.hastingsfuneralhome.com.