Joanne Grumbling Torrance (97), lifelong resident of Blairsville and beloved wife of the late William A. Torrance for fifty-six years, passed away on October 17, 2025. For the past eight years, Mrs. Torrance has resided at Masonic Village in Sewickley, PA.
Mrs. Torrance was a well-known advocate for advancing the accessibility and quality of mental health care, supporting challenged individuals and their families. Mrs. Torrance, R.N. a psychiatric nurse, was the Continuing Care Supervisor for the Indiana County Guidance Center for over thirty years. A graduate of Blairsville High School in 1945, she earned her R.N. degree from Presbyterian School of Nursing in 1948. She was employed by Torrance State Hospital and later helped launch Blairsville’s Head Start Program.
She served as President on behalf of Indiana County in the state-run initiative for coordinated mental health care, establishing the Community Hospital Integration Program (CHIP). Mrs. Torrance was active with the Mental Health Association and the National, State and Indiana County Alliance of the Mentally Ill. She was a frequent speaker and author on mental health care themes and aging services.
Mrs. Torrance’s legacy reflects public service with Indiana County organizations. She served on the Citizens Advisory Board of Child Welfare Services and the Board of Directors for the Visiting Nurses Association, Indiana Hospital, Indiana Chapter of the American Cancer Society, the Indiana/Armstrong Mental Health Residential Program and was Indiana County representative for the Pennsylvania State Office of Mental Health. The Indiana County Chamber of Commerce named Mrs. Torrance “Civic Leader of the Year” in 2006.
Mrs. Torrance was a parishioner at United Presbyterian Church of Blairsville, where she was Ruling Elder and Founder/Director of the Junior Choir. She will be remembered for her melodic soprano voice, as a soloist with the Music Club and Church Chancel Choir. She was a competitive bridge player, avid baker, eager women’s golf “nine-holer,” and graceful partner for “W.A” with the Indiana Ballroom Dancing club.
She is survived by four children: Jann M. Balmer, PhD Charlottesville,VA; L. Gaye Torrance (John Sogliuzzo) Short Hills NJ; Judy Persichetti (Robert) York, PA; and W. Alan Torrance, Jr. (Anna) Sewickley, PA. She has eleven grandchildren: Thomas Macfarlane, Kathryn McFarland; Caraline (Shaloiko) and Jay Sogliuzzo; Lisa (Zane), Brian and Scott Persichetti; and Luke, Mary (Paul), Claire and William Torrance; as well is “GiGi” to thirteen great grandchildren.
Mrs. Torrance is predeceased by her husband, William A. Torrance, sister Dorothy G. Kelly, and brother Jay S. Grumbling.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the W.A. and Joanne Torrance Children’s Book Fund. Please send donations to Blairsville Public Library at 113 North Walnut Street, Blairsville, PA 15717. referencing W.A. and Joanne Torrance Children’s Book Fund.
A family will hold a private memorial service. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Ferguson Funeral Home, Blairsville. www.fergusonblairsville.com
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