Joan E. Birtel

Joan E. Birtel

 April 28, 2023

Joan E. Birtel, 90, formerly of Roaring Brook Township, died peacefully on Friday afternoon, surrounded by her family, at Geisinger – CMC, Scranton. She was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Joseph Birtel, who died in 2004.

Born in Scranton, daughter of the late Roy and Margaret Josephine Love Purdon, she graduated from Abington Heights High School, class of 1951, and went right to work in her career in office management. It was at the Capitol Records plant in Scranton where she met Joe Birtel, and within a year the couple was engaged, and they would marry within their second year together. She would later work for J.C. Penney before retiring to focus on her growing family. Joan loved to travel and her hands were always busy crocheting, gardening and cooking. Selfless, tireless and giving, there would be no end to the love, kindness, and caring for her husband, children, grandchildren and wide circle of friends.  

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Michael Kondash and his Physician Assistant, Michael Lukus, the entire staff at Mountain View Care Center, and to the medical and nursing staffs at Geisinger –CMC, especially to the ER, the 8^th floor and 4^th floor. The compassionate care and professionalism extended to their mother is deeply appreciated.

She is survived by a son, Joseph Birtel, and wife Lisa Fanucci, Jefferson Twp., a daughter, Susan Belvedere, and husband Danny, Oakland, a granddaughter, Caleigh Birtel, Jefferson Twp.,  and two grandsons, Justin and Brandyn Belvedere, both of Oakland, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by three sisters, Shirley Murrin, Jeanne Hoban, and Peggy Purdon.

The funeral will be conducted on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, with Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 9:30 am in St. Paul’s Church, 1510 Penn Avenue, Scranton. Joan will be laid to rest at Fairview Memorial Park, Elmhurst. The family will receive relatives and friends on Tuesday from 5-7 pm at the Frank M. Regan Funeral Home, 323 William Street, Scranton. Condolences may also be expressed on the funeral home website, @ freganfuneral.com

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Griffin Pond Animal Shelter, 967 Griffin Pond Rd, South Abington Township, PA 18411