Joan E. Cook Torok – Monessen
Joan E. Cook Torok, 96, of Monessen, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025, at home with her loving family by her side. Born in Monessen on Oct. 26, 1928, she was the daughter of the late Melvin H. Cook Sr. and Mary Katherine Groger Cook. Joan was a graduate of Monessen High School, Class of 1946. Joan worked for American Chain and Cable, Page Steel and Wire Division. She was a member of Epiphany of Our Lord Catholic Church, a member of St. Leonard’s Legion of Mary, an officer in the PTA at St. Leonard’s Catholic School, a member of the YMCA Silver Sneakers and a hospice volunteer. A life certainly well-lived, she touched the lives of many through her unwavering faith, selflessness and resilient spirit. She is survived by her beloved daughter, Kristy Torok Chavez of Monessen; beloved granddaughter, Kaylene Chavez (Kevin) of Falls Church, Va.; grandson, Johnathan and wife Diane Torok; daughter-in-law, Debi Torok; a brother, James Cook of Belle Vernon; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John Torok, to whom she was married for 54 years until his death on Feb. 13, 2005; a son, John David “Jay” Torok; two brothers, Robert E. Cook and Melvin Cook Jr.; two sisters, Mary Joyce Cook Holzapfel and Patricia Cook Staley; two nieces, Kim Cook and Lori Sprowls Staley; and three nephews, Bobby Cook, Rick Staley and Myron Sprowls. Family and friends were received from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 17, 2025, at DALFONSO-BILLICK FUNERAL HOME INC. AND CREMATION SERVICES, 441 Reed Ave., Monessen. A blessing service will be held at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025, in the funeral home, followed by a 10 a.m. funeral Mass at Epiphany of Our Lord Church, Monessen. Interment will follow in Belle Vernon Cemetery. The Epiphany Catholic Daughters of the Americas conducted services at 6 p.m. Monday in the funeral home. Online condolences can be left at www.dalfonso-billick.com.
