Joan Howard Cutwright, 83, a long-time resident of Dale City, Virginia, died peacefully August 25, 2015 at ManorCare in Arlington, Virginia. She had been in declining health after a fall in her home two months ago.
Originally from Uniontown, PA, Joan traveled throughout the United States as an Air Force wife, living in Utah, California, Hawai'i, Texas and Tennessee before settling in Virginia. She was a devoted civil servant, spending almost her entire career at the Pentagon before retiring in 1996. Her marriage to Boyd Cutwright ended in divorce.
Joan loved her family dearly. She is survived by son Lawrence Cutwright and his wife Brenda of Honolulu, Hawai'i, and daughter Janice Harris and her husband David of Manassas, Virginia, grandsons Kyle and Ryan Cutwright of Honolulu, Hawai'i, granddaughter Brandi Ehrman and her husband Steve of Arlington, Virginia, and great-granddaughter Gemma Ehrman of Arlington, Virginia. She is also survived by brother Monte Howard and his wife JoAnn of Kingwood, West Virginia, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws.
Joan cherished her yearly trips to Las Vegas in the company of family; she became legendary for refusing to leave the slot machines, even to eat. An excellent cook and baker, she made many delicious dishes from scratch. A true treat was her authentic Lebanese food. She was very proud of her children and grandchildren, and nothing delighted her more in the past three years than Gemma. Despite her petite stature, she was feisty and an enormous presence that will be greatly missed.
Friends will be received at the Stephen R. Haky Funeral Home, Inc., 603 N. Gallatin Ave., Ext, Uniontown, PA on Wednesday, September 2, 2015 from 10 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.
The Funeral Service celebrating her life will begin at 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Father Sami Chaaya, MLM officiating. Interment will follow at Sylvan Heights Cemetery, Uniontown, PA.
Your personal written tributes and memories are welcomed and encouraged at www.hakyfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, please spend an evening with those you hold dear, send a card to someone who needs it, and/or make a donation to a beloved charity.