Joann Unrein

Joann Unrein, 74, of Wasilla, passed with peace March 15, 2010, after her battle with respiratory complications. She had been under the attentive care of family and staff at Mat-Su Regional Hospital.

In honor of her wishes, there will be no public services.

Joann was born Aug. 23, 1935, in Washington, Pa., to George and Martha McBratney.

She married her second husband Eric Unrein on Dec. 31, 1981.

During her employment years she worked on Elmendorf AFB as a warehouse worker and forklift operator for 21 years with the Army Air Force Exchange Service. After her retirement she found enjoyment crafting with stamps and scrapbooking memories, while always having a good stock of homemade salsa and jams.

Her family wrote, “She was a most loving wife and companion to her husband. Family was her main focus in life and her presence will be greatly missed.”

Survivors include her husband, Eric; three children, Wendy K. (Drabeck) Johnson, Colo. Springs, Colo., Robert S. Drabeck II, Bisbee, Ariz., and William M. Drabeck, St. George, Utah; two brothers, Norton Gough and Robert McBratney, both of Washington, Pa.; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is now reunited with parents George and Martha McBratney, and sisters Delores Hatfield and Helen Bauer, whom preceded her in death.

Arrangements were with Valley Funeral Home and Crematory in Wasilla.