Joan Philbin
October 1, 2004
Joan Philbin, 71, a lifelong resident of Scranton, died Friday evening at home after a lengthy illness. She was the wife of Frank Philbin, to whom she was married for 42 years.
Born Jan. 29, 1933, in Scranton, the sixth child of late Charles and Mary Duffy Gannon, she was a member of Holy Family Church. She was a member and former treasurer of the Northeastern Pennsylvania League of Licensed Practical Nurses and was a former treasurer of the Local Republican Women's Club, Scranton. A graduate of Hoyt School of Practical Nursing, and a licensed practical nurse for 50 years, she provided care and comfort for those in need, until her retirement from Allied Services in 1998, after 15 years of dedicated service.
Often heard to exclaim "put a sweater on that one" and "where are their socks?" she stressed the importance of a "warm and happy patient" to all co-workers within earshot. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother.
Also surviving are four sons, Michael and wife Debbie; Terry, Barry and Bruce; a daughter, Shelia Duff and husband Jay; five grandsons, Jonathan and Michael Bibalo, Christopher, Matthew and T.J. Duff; several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by four brothers, James, Charles "Chap," Billy and Joseph; and a sister, Marie Iselin.
The family invites friends to join them in a memorial Mass Friday at 10 a.m. in Holy Family Church, 746 N. Washington Ave. Interment, Cathedral Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in her memory to the Alzheimer's Association, 63 Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre, 18701; by calling 1-800-272-3900, or going to its Web site: www.alz.org.