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Joan Phillips Obituary
Joan R. Phillips of Scranton passed away peacefully with the love of her family at her side in her home on Thursday. Born in Scranton, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Grace O'Brien Rafter. She was a graduate of Marywood Seminary. Joan's faith was an incredibly important part of her life. She was a lifelong member of St. Paul's/St. Clare's Parish in Scranton.
She was the ever-loving mother of Patricia Ephault, of Scranton; Mary Ann McCormick and her fiancé, Michael Kemmlein, of Dunmore; Kathi Zielinski and her husband, Mike, of Archbald; Joan Phillips, of Scranton; Beth Resweber and her husband, Dr. Scott Resweber, of Swarthmore, Pa.; Michael Phillips and his wife, Sandy, of Dunmore; Kim Moran, of Fort Walton Beach, Fla.; Helen Rizos and her husband, Byron, of Marblehead, Mass.; and Timothy Phillips Sr., of Throop. She was the best Nana to 23 grandchildren, Aric Ephault, Erin Mordan, Michael, Chris and Matthew McCormick, Jason and Ryan Bevan, Packy Sullivan and Brittany Yzkanin, Lindsey and Molly Stevens, Drew, Clay, Frances and William Resweber, Caitlin Schank and Christina Phillips, Sarah, Samuel and Sophia Rizos, Tim and Cara Phillips and Bridget Lamberton; in addition to 31 great-grandchildren.
Joan was predeceased by two infant sons; and three sisters, Grace Butler, Marjorie Brown and Ann O'Malley.
Early in her career, Joan was a bookkeeper for Ryder Truck Rental. Her lifelong dedication was raising her nine children and being the best Nana to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Family, faith and friends were the pillars of Joan's life.
Heartfelt thanks go out to her caregiver Barb Zaretski and to the compassionate team of nurses from Hospice of the Sacred Heart.
The funeral will be Monday from the Albert P. O'Donnell Funeral Home, 2025 Green Ridge St., Dunmore, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Claire's Church, 2301 N. Washington Ave. Interment, Cathedral Cemetery.
Friends may call Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider donations to St. Joseph's Center, Scranton, PA.
Arrangements, Albert P. O'Donnell Funeral Home, 2025 Green Ridge St., Dunmore.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joan Phillips
Sponsored by Albert P O'Donnell Funeral Home.
Maria Gething
August 19, 2022
Patty, Mary Ann and family,
My deepest condolences on the loss of your mom. I know so well the heartache you are feeling. I am keeping you iny thoughts and prayers.
Joe O'Hara
August 19, 2022
Mary Ann, She was a beautiful person. May God bless and keep her.
Love to you and your family.
David, Cleo, Eleni and Amalia Rizos
August 19, 2022
We are sorry to hear of your families loss. Mrs. Joan Phillips, Nana was always a very sweet soul. Her sweet spirit lives on and her lovely memory will be eternal.
August 19, 2022
To Mary Ann and all of the Phillips'
What a great loss for you. You mom was just a wonderful lady with a very memorable laugh,
God Bless her and you
Kim (Harding) Kelly
Trish (Weber Patterson) Constable
August 18, 2022
Joan and Family, I am deeply saddened to see that your beautiful mother has passed. She was definitely a true gem.
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Memorial Events
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Aug
21
Calling hours
2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Albert P O'Donnell Funeral Home2025 Green Ridge St, Dunmore, PA 18512
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