Joanna Rath

Joanna M. Rath, 87, a long-time resident of Copperfield in Northwest Houston, died Thursday, July 28, 2022, in Arlington VA. Born Giovanna Maria Pizzella in Brooklyn, NY, she was the daughter of the late John and Fortunatina (D’Amato) Pizzella. A former legal secretary for Ostrolenk Faber in New York City, in retirement Joanna doted on her cherished pets and was an active parishioner at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Houston, serving as an extraordinary minister of holy communion, president of the Women’s Club, and a member of the Helping Hands assistance ministry. She is survived by her son Dr. Joseph Rath of New York City, daughter Lora Rath and her husband Joseph Holtman of Arlington, VA, her sister, Palmina Gagliano of Long Island, NY, nephews and nieces, and extended family and friends. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Joseph Rath. Funeral services will be held at Calverton National Cemetery on eastern Long Island.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the The Humane Society of the United States in Joanna’s memory (www.humanesociety.org/memorial).