Joan K. Backel

YORK Joan Kitty (Sipe) Backel, 69, was ushered to heaven by the Lord's angels on Monday, February 18, 2013, from Pleasant Acres with family by her side. Born on November 26, 1943, in York, she was the daughter of the late Glenn Wood Sipe and Roseada (Ferguson) Sipe Smith. Joan was employed by York International for 26 years as a machine operator. She was a beloved mother and grandma who will be deeply missed. Joan leaves to cherish her memory a daughter, Lisa Sipe of York; two sons, Harold Sweeney and wife, Janet of Burke, Va., and David Sweeney and wife, Monique of Bristol, Va.; eight granchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; four sisters, Grace King, Carol Rice, twin sister Jean Sipe, and Barbara Sipe, all of York; a host of nieces and nephews; and the father of her children, Harold Sweeney, Sr. of York. She was preceded in death by a son, Glen C. Sweeney; five siblings, Glenn Sipe, Robert Sipe, Dale Sipe, Barry Sipe, and Betty Sipe Warren; and a former husband, Arthur Backel of Dallastown. A viewing will be held on Friday, February 22, 2013, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Gladfelter Funeral Home, Inc., 822 E. Market St.,York. The Celebration of Life Service will begin at 1 p.m. Interment will be in Susquehanna Memorial Gardens. "I thank my God for every remembrance of you."