Joan Shimkus, 85, of Mahanoy City, PA, passed away Monday, January 2nd, at Lehigh Valley Hospital Hospice Care in Allentown.

Joan was born in Mahanoy City, PA on November 2, 1937, a daughter of the late Albina (Yackamovich) and John Sincavage.

She was a member of Saint Teresa of Calcutta Parish Mahanoy City.

Mahanoy City High School Class of 1955 and Thomas Jefferson School of Nursing Philadelphia Class of 1958.

After graduating from nursing school, Joan began her career in Philly working at Jeff until she married Leonard Shimkus in 1959. After a couple years of working as private duty nurse while her children were young, Joan was hired by Good Samaritan Hospital in 1970.  Joan spent over 30 years at Good Sam performing various roles including starting an Oncology floor and working in management as a head nurse.  She was loved and respected by her fellow nurses and physicians when she retired in 1996.

After retirement, Joan remained very active in the community.  She was a member of the Mahanoy City High School Alumni Association where she enjoyed working on and planning class reunions.  She also served for many years as President of the Mahanoy City Library Board and the Mahanoy City Woman's Club.  She spent countless volunteer hours dedicated to keeping the library and woman's club a vibrant part of Mahanoy City for everyone.  The Summer Reading Program for children was always the highlight of her summer.

Joan loved reading, travelling to the casinos in Atlantic City, and helping her neighbors and friends with their medical concerns.

Her most favorite pastime, however, was spending time with her kids and grandchildren.  She was so proud of her family and considered it her greatest accomplishment.

Joan is survived by three daughters, Suzanne, wife of Charles Connely, of Hometown; Lenore, wife of  Joseph Schell, of St. Augustine FL; Barbara, wife of  Kevin Mailey, of Downingtown, two sons John Paul, husband of  Patti, of Manchester PA; Bernard, husband of  Bobbi, of Aldan PA. She is also survived by 10 Grandchildren Stephanie, Rachel, Derek, Gabrielle, Sarah, Steven, Katie, Grace, Sarah and David, and 3 Great Grandchildren Nora, Lincoln, and Tyson.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Leonard in 1987 and her brother John Sincavage and a sister Rita Stack.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Saint Teresa of Calcutta Parish, Mahanoy City, PA, at 11 AM on Monday, January 9th, with Rev. Kevin P. Gallagher officiating.

Friends and family may call Sunday 6 to 8 PM and Monday 9:30 AM.   At the Funeral Home.

Interment will follow at Skyview Memorial Park Tamaqua.

Family prefers donations to the Mahanoy City Public Library 17-19 W Mahanoy St. Mahanoy City PA 17948 and Marian High School (Click Here for Link) .