Barbara Joy VanTromp, 60, of Bridgeport, passed away at her home on Wednesday, December 5, 2012, following an extended illness. She was born September 18, 1952, in Washington, PA, a daughter of the late John Menhart, who died when Joy was six years old, and the late Violet Navoy Sendeski, and she was the step-daughter of the late Joseph Sendeski. She is survived by her loving and caring husband of 37 years, John A. VanTromp. Also surviving are her daughter Kristin VanTromp, Clearwater, FL; her son, Justin VanTromp and his wife Ashley, Arlington, VA; two sisters, Betty Lou Courson and her husband Bo, McMurray, PA; and Valerie Parker and her husband Frank, Loch Haven, PA; her only surviving aunt, Stella Filipowski, Norwin, PA; and a cousin, Bill Gorrell and his wife Barb of Michigan. She was a member of Simpson Creek Baptist Church. She was a graduate of Trinity High School in Washington, PA, and Fairmont State College, where she was a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma. Joy, as she was called, was a school teacher. She began teaching in Columbus, OH, and later taught in Marion County, WV. Most of Joy’s career was spent in Harrison County, where she taught middle school in Shinnston, Gore, and Lumberport. She also taught at Simpson Elementary, and retired from Bridgeport Middle School in 2004 due to health problems. Joy had a strong passion for teaching and truly loved her students. Condolences to the VanTromp Family may be sent to burnsidefh@burnsidefuneralhome.com Friends will be received at Burnside Funeral Home, 607 S. Virginia Avenue, Bridgeport, on Friday from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. Joy will lie in state at Simpson Creek Baptist Church from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 8, 2012, where services will be held at 11 a.m. with Dr. C. Michael Hopkins presiding. Following the service, Joy’s request for cremation will be honored. Burnside Funeral Home, Bridgeport