Joan Coppeta

January 2, 1952-December 19, 2025

Joan Coppeta, 73, of Altoona, peacefully passed away Friday at home surrounded by her family and loved ones. She fought a 4-year battle with Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer. Joan was patient #1 in a phase 2 clinical trial at MD Anderson in Houston, TX. She made 38 trips there for research and to help save others with this rare cancer. We were blessed with 4 extra years because of the trial.

Joan was born in Cresson, the daughter of Mary Jean (Kime) and William Stein, they both preceded her in death, along with her brother, David.

She is survived by her loving husband, Al of 47 years; a daughter, Heather Diehl (Jeff); two sons: Thaddeus McDonough and Jude Coppeta (Korin); a brother, Jake Stein (Sonja) and sister, Gail Brubaker; six grandchildren: Ashlee McCloskey (Dave), Seth Diehl (Adrian), Nicolas Coppeta, Aden Diehl, Lilli Coppeta and Alana Collins; three great-grandchildren: Emmy, Jack and Kellen as well as many nieces and nephews, whom she loved and adored.

Joan was co-owner of Al’s Tavern in Altoona and was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Joan lived life to the fullest; and brought a smile to all who knew her. Our family has been blessed with a true angel who loved unconditionally. Thank you for all of your love, the laughter you brought and all of the memories we have made along the way.

Friends will be received from 2-6 pm, Sunday, December 21, 2025 at The Stevens Mortuary, Inc., 1421 8th Avenue, Altoona, PA 16602, where a vigil for the deceased will be held.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 am, Monday, December 22, 2025 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Committal will be held at Calvary Cemetery.

The family requests that contributions be made in Joan’s name to: Carmelite Monastery of Saint Therese of Lisieux, 2101 Manor Dr, Loretto, PA 15940 ORSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105/www.stjude.org/memorial.

Condolences may be made at www.stevensfamilyfuneralhomes.com or Stevens Family Funeral Homes Facebook.