Joan Scott, a lifelong resident of Scranton and the beloved wife of Richard J. Scott, Sr., for 57 years, died on Tuesday afternoon in the Allied Skilled Nursing Center with her husband at her side. He had moved into Allied himself two years ago, and they shared a room briefly after she was suddenly diagnosed this month with cancer.
Born in 1937, Joan was the only child of the late Fredrick and Kathryn Feeney Strasburger. Joan grew up on Harrison Avenue and enjoyed swimming with friends in nearby Lake Lincoln, which later became the pools at Nay Aug Park. She graduated from Scranton Central High School, and followed her mother’s career path by enrolling in the Scranton State Hospital School of Nursing. She became a registered nurse in 1958 and dated Richard before moving to New York City to work in Columbia Presbyterian hospital for a year. She then moved to California to nurse at the Veterans Affairs hospital in Palo Alto. Richard pursued her to California and they were married in Mountain View outside San Francisco on Jan. 26, 1961. After a year, they drove across country in a VW Beetle and returned to the Scranton area.
Joan and Dick had four boys by 1968, and in later years she juggled raising a family, working the night nursing shift at Moses Taylor Hospital and studying for her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Scranton. After she earned that degree in 1981, she worked as a counselor at the Scranton Counseling Center downtown, a career that highlighted her resolute yet caring and loving side, until she retired at age 70.
She was a member of the Immaculate Conception Parish for many years. Joan and Richard enjoyed traveling to visit their sons. In her retirement, she did volunteer work at Moses Taylor for a time and enjoyed reading and shopping with her granddaughters.
The family would like to thank the staff at Allied Skilled Nursing for their fantastic care of Joan and Dick.
Also surviving are sons Richard, Jr and his wife Amy of Portland, PA, Michael J. and his wife Kim of Fernandina Beach, FL, Patrick R. and his wife Susan recently of Cairo, Egypt, and Brian of Silver Spring, MD; and 12 beloved grandchildren.
Family and friends are invited to meet the family at the church on Friday morning.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday at 10am in the Immaculate Conception Church 801 Taylor Ave Scranton.
Friends may call Thursday from 4-7pm in the Vanston and James Funeral Home 1401 Ash St Scranton.
Interment, private at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation. For directions, to share a memory or to leave your condolences for the family please visit www.vanstonandjames.com
Ginger Shaughnessy
I am heartbroken over the loss of your beloved wife and mother and hold all of you in a special place in my heart. Joan was a warm, fun, and special lady and I always loved babysitting for your family. I’ll keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. xo Ginger (Hart)
Theresa Sherman
Dear Rich, Amy and family, we are so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. You all will be in our thoughts and prayers.
In love and sympathy,
Theresa & Jack Sherman
Burlington, MA
Al & Barb Jumper
So sorry to hear of Joan’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with Dick and her children and grandchildren. Fond memories of a special lady.
Terri Petrillo
To Dick..Rich and Amy.Mike and Kim. Pat Sue and Brian…I am very sorry to hear of Joans’ passing. She was quite a lady.I wish you and her grandkids peace at this difficult time.