Joan N. Barbush

Joan C. Barbush of First Street, Weatherly, Pennsylvania passed away on Thursday, June 20, 2019, atLehigh Valley Hospital, Hazleton. She was 85 years young. Born in Hazleton, Joan was the daughter of the late George and Florence (Rohland) Chisnell and grew upin Lattimer Mines. In June of last year, Joan lost her husband of 64 years, Otto J. Barbush, Jr. Together, they built a life ofcommunity and family, surrounding themselves with the love of 3 children, 7 grandchildren, and 5 greatgrand-children (and another on the way). Now, they can be together again, celebrating the life theycreated. Joan was a graduate of Hazle Township High School and attended Bucknell University. She has keptmany lifelong friends from her classes, and continued the rest of her life as an active member of her highschool reunion committee. She was an active member of the community, and donated her time and energy to making a positiveimpact in the world. Joan worshiped at the Centenary United Methodist Church of Weatherly, and servedin many capacities over the years. She was a former officer of the Weatherly Community Chest, electedas the first female president. Joan received the Friend of Education Award, for all her efforts as avolunteer in the Weatherly School District. She loved sunflowers, and was a member of the WeatherlyFlower Club for many years. Professionally, Joan ran the family-owned, Mimi’s Gift Shop in Weatherly.Both Joan and Otto were 20+ year cancer survivors, and they drew upon each other’s love and strengththrough the difficult surgeries and treatments. They were a strong team and devoted their lives to helpingothers going through cancer, serving as coordinators of cancer support groups, that provide compassion,strength and hope to others afflicted by the disease. Joan was a huge sports fan, and an avid bowler. She loved her Penn State Football and Phillies Baseball,and attended every sporting event that her children participated in.Joan was a skilled writer and cook, known best for her meatballs (although some may argue herhomemade jelly was a close second). She shared those gifts by bringing family and food together in acolumn she wrote for Panorama Magazine and other local publications. In each column, were specialrecipes and personal stories that accompanied the food. On July 27 at 11 am, a celebration of her life will take place at the Centenary United Methodist Church, onCarbon Street, Weatherly. The family invites all those who knew Joan to attend and share in thefellowship. Pending funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Philip J. Jeffries Funeral Home &Cremation Services of 211 First Street Weatherly, Pennsylvania 18255. (570) 427-4231 Joan leaves a long list of family who loved her dearly; her beloved daughter, Bonita Lee Urban and herhusband, Nicholas of Weatherly, cherished sons, Barry M. Barbush and his fianceé Marybeth Cauley ofYork, J. Barbush and his wife, Lisette of Woodland Hills, CA, ; grand children, Bradley Boothe, JeremyBoothe, Dr. Gregory Barbush, Rebecca Barbush, Alec Barbush, Noah Barbush, Skylar Barbush; greatgrand-children, Sara and Kenzie Boothe, Marshall Boothe, Lucas and Maggie Rose Barbush. Expressions of sympathy or a fond memory of Joan may be expressed by visiting www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com