Joanne White Dzina's Obituary
JoAnne Elizabeth White Dzina of Dallas, TX, passed away on May 13, 2020. Her 89 years were characterized by a selfless devotion to her family, a boundless affection for her friends, a pioneering spirit, and especially a faith that radiated, quietly but effectively, the love of her Savior.
JoAnne was born in Kittanning, Pennsylvania to David and Elizabeth White, the third of four children.
Hers was a depression era childhood on the family farm in which attributes of hard work and resilience were forged, and the essence of family life was embedded in her heart. The farm would forever be a pilgrimage, a place to return for family reunions, solace and reflection, and the simple pleasures of country life. But from an early age, she knew, the world beyond beckoned.
After attending Allegheny college and graduating from Penn State University, JoAnne worked briefly as a teacher in Pittsburgh and Bradford, PA, before making her way to the great metropolis of New York
City. With undergraduate and graduate degrees in home economics she landed a job in the pattern design division of Vogue Butterick. The country girl with an indomitable spirit was working in high fashion in the Empire State Building.
JoAnne’s New York adventure was not limited to professional pursuits. She was set up on a blind date with Richard Paul Dzina, a Princeton man with panache, who became her soul mate and with whom she ultimately enjoyed 57 years of marriage and raised a family. After the births of children Richard Jr. and Nancy, professional relocations took the young family to St. Louis, MO, where David and Doug joined the flock, and then to Dallas, TX, where JoAnne and Dick made their lives for the next 45 years.
JoAnne invested herself utterly and completely in the life of her family, championing every child, celebrating every triumph, bearing every sorrow. At each juncture in life JoAnne also cultivated rich and enduring friendships that brought her great joy. Her zest for life knew no limit, especially when it came to an opportunity to deepen a relationship, serve a need, or provide a listening ear.
In her early 50s JoAnne was diagnosed with breast cancer. This was a seminal event in her life, and that of her family, in which she demonstrated great faith and fortitude. Ultimately, in God’s grace, she
prevailed. She never ceased in praising the Lord for the opportunity to enjoy her grandchildren, or in her volunteer work to serve others suffering with cancer.
JoAnne loved her church family at Highland Park Presbyterian Church. She defined her personal mission as “serving the Lord with gladness” through family, friends, and community involvement. One of her favored verses in support of this mission was Philippians 4:5, “Let your gentleness be evident to all.” Mission accomplished.
JoAnne was preceded in death by her parents and siblings James White, Lourene Pilgram, and Nancy Kurzman. Her memory and example will be cherished by her husband Dick, her children and their spouses, eight adoring grandchildren, her extended family, and her legion of friends.
A memorial service to celebrate JoAnne’s life will be available for viewing on-line Wednesday, June 3. Please send a Facebook friend request to Doug Dzina, who will be posting the viewing details.
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