Maryann DeSanti Morea, 78, of Homer City, PA passed away peacefully at her daughter’s home on July 6, 2024. Born January 28, 1946, in the Bronx, New York, she was the youngest daughter of Lillian (Urmston) DeSanti and Louis DeSanti.
If you knew Maryann, you knew she was an incredible force–sharp and sarcastic, no-nonsense, and serious, all biting wit and Bronx attitude. Moving to western PA after her divorce, she raised her two children to be strong and independent. She provided a loving home full of books and was always an advocate for a strong education. She held many jobs over the years including a stint as a coal miner in the 70’s. For most of her working life she tended bar as a side job, for many years at The Hotel Homer in Homer City. At 5ft nothing, she ran a tight bar, silencing the most enthusiastic drinkers with a stern look or a sharp word. You quickly learned you did not mess with Maryann. At the age of 42, she began attending IUP. Her hard-fought Bachelor of Science degree was a point of pride to Maryann and her whole family.
Maryann was a loving caretaker to her grandsons when they were young and rarely (or never) missed their sporting events and extracurricular activities. During her last illness, just the mention of them could make her smile.
Maryann and her companion, Bob, shared a passion for the outdoors and travelled extensively. Their trip to Alaska, time at Bob’s camp, and their many other adventures in the RV were a particular joy.
She is survived by her children: Christina (Joe) Morea-Braniff of Homer City and Joseph Morea of Lucerne Mines and her companion of many years, Bob Walbeck. Also surviving her are her grandchildren: Joseph (Kasey) Popovich, Ryan Popovich, and Wyatt Braniff. Maryann is also survived by her older sister Rita Boaz, nephew Robert Boaz and special niece, Debra Boaz of Tucson, AZ.
