Margaret "Jean" Dachille (née Johnson)

August 31, 1932 – May 26, 2025

Born August 31, 1932, in Acmetonia, Pennsylvania, Margaret Jean Dachille (née Johnson) left this world on May 26, 2025 at age 92. The daughter of Carl Herbert "Whitey" Johnson and Kathryn Belinda Bagrosky Johnson, Jean enjoyed her fun and free childhood in Harmarville, often exploring the woods and other areas near the then-thriving Harmar coal mine. She grew up during the Great Depression and the era of World War II with her three late siblings Herbert "Bud", Donald, and Betty "Lo", as well as her favorite cousin, Billy Jim Lockerman, also deceased. After graduating from Oakmont High School in 1950, Jean worked in downtown Pittsburgh for Mellon Bank and then lovingly raised her four children—Paula Jean, Susan Valorie, Paul Robert, and Diane. Having endured more than her share of heartache, Jean was predeceased by Paula and Susan but is survived by Paul and Diane as well as several nephews and nieces.

Possessed of wonderfully maternal skills, Jean built her own highly successful day-care business and also served as a beloved supervisor at Wee the People, a downtown Pittsburgh child-care enterprise. For some thirty years after her retirement—indeed, until the day she died—many of the children she helped to raise, and their parents, regularly sent her cards, letters and family photographs.

An insatiable reader, Jean most preferred American literature and Victorian-era mysteries. Her book collection included well over two thousand volumes. A devotee of knowledge, and blessed with an astonishing memory, Jean was virtually unbeatable at trivia games, and she could often answer the most entertaining and obscure questions about American pop culture. Ever a fan of New York City, Jean made frequent trips to the Big Apple where she reveled in elegant dining, Broadway shows and seemingly endless sightseeing. She also enjoyed Pittsburgh restaurants, local museums, and countless stage performances in Pittsburgh's Cultural District. And at every event in every location, Jean was dressed stylishly—her jewelry and clothing always matching exquisitely in the most tasteful and colorful manner.

From her earliest days with her childhood dogs Tiny and Pinky through her life with so many other cherished dogs and cats, Jean was an unmatched animal lover. What many of her acquaintances have not known until now is that Jean was a longtime, very generous benefactor of multiple organizations that rescue pets and wildlife. Other than caring for her children, nothing gave Jean more joy than did helping animals. Remaining behind her are two of her own treasured pets, Bootsie and Autumn, both of whom she rescued as kittens and both of whom find themselves forlorn at the passing of their mother, although they will be splendidly cared for by Paul and Diane.

While fabulously enriched through having known this graceful and charming woman, all who were familiar with Jean have now suffered an immeasurable and irreparable loss upon her departure from this Earth. May she rest in her well-deserved peace. We love you, mom.

The family held private visitation and burial.

Arrangements entrusted to the BURKET-TRUBY FUNERAL HOME CREMATION AND ALTERNATIVE, SERVICES, INC., Oakmont.

To honor Jean's memory, tributes may be offered to Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh, 6926 Hamilton Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15208 or Animal Friends, 562 Camp Horne Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15237.