Joan M. Scales

Joan M. Scales, 89, of Greensburg, passed away Sunday, July 9, 2023.  She was born February 24, 1934 in Mount Vernon, NY, the only child of the late Mont M. and Elinor (Pugsley) Mathes.

Joan met her husband, John, on a blind date while in college.  She traveled by train from Wellesley to Yale.  John still remembers her stepping off the train in her two-piece gray wool suit with velvet lapels and knowing within minutes he would marry her.  Their time together that weekend included football, a kahlua punch party and a drive overlooking a view of New Haven.

Joan was a loving wife, mother and grandmother.  She was a kind, strong and independent woman.  Joan took care to make sure birthdays and holidays were special.  Christmas was Joan’s favorite holiday, and she was known for knitting stockings for her family.  She also served as a Girl Scout Leader and enjoyed photography, tennis, playing bridge and cooking. Joan enjoyed family trips to Cape Cod and Avalon, NJ.  One of Joan’s biggest accomplishments was owning and operating her dollhouse and miniature store, Just Miniature Scale. 

She is survived by her loving husband, John N. Scales; her three devoted daughters, Laura Wallace, Lisa Scales and Gretchen Rizzo and her husband, Michael; her daughter in law, Cheryl Scales; and five grandchildren, Michael Rizzo, Brian Rizzo, Andrew Scales, Evan Scales and Elizabeth Scales.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, John N. Scales, Jr.

Family and friends will be received on Friday from 4 to 7 pm in the KEPPLE-GRAFT FUNERAL HOME, INC. 524 N. Main Street Greensburg.  Joan’s funeral service will take place on Saturday at 10:30 am in the First Presbyterian Church, 300 S. Main St. Greensburg with Rev. Stephen M. LaSor officiating.  Everyone is asked to please go directly to the church for services.  Interment will follow in Jeannette Memorial Park.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank @give.pittsburghfoodbank.org.  Online condolences are welcome at www.kepplegraft.com.