Joanie Eileen Dillon

 Joan Eileen Dillon, age 69, beloved daughter, sister, aunt, cousin and friend, died suddenly Oct 5, 2023 at home in Sweet Valley, Pennsylvania. Joan was born October 28, 1953. She was predeceased by her parents, John and Margaret Dillon and her sister, Carole Chapple, as well as her cherished aunts, Katherine and Anna. 

Joanie-as she was affectionately called by her family- is survived by her siblings Peggy, Maureen, and their husbands Larry and Sam. John, and Mike, and their Wifes, Maryellen, and Gina. She is also survived by her brother-in-law Ken Chapple as well as loving cousins, nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews, and close friends.  

The fourth child born into a large and loving Irish family, Joanie demonstrated natural artistic talent at an early age, often sprawled out on the living room floor with her crayons and coloring books. She possessed a keen Irish wit and sense of humor, a kind and loving nature, and an adventurous spirit.   As a child and adult, she spent many happy times with her family -enjoying picnics, holidays, beach vacations, birthdays, and trips to New York City for St. Patrick’s Day, a favorite Dillon family tradition. 

She attended Central Catholic High School, College Misericordia where she obtained a Master's Degree in Studio Art, and Bloomsburg University, where she earned her doctorate degree in education and an MA from Shippensburg.  Joanie had a life-long dedication to learning, teaching, and reading and an accomplished career as a college professor. Most recently, in retirement, she was working as an English language tutor for immigrant children as well as volunteering at the Back Mountain Memorial Library.  

Joanie had a determined spirit that guided her through life’s many joys and challenges, a quiet inner strength, and a passion for travel.  Like her Aunt Anna, Joanie lived happily as a strong single woman and enjoyed wandering the world.   She took innumerable trips to distant lands -often solo- visiting many different countries, soaking up culture and knowledge, and enjoying the wonders and beauty of new places.  She and her cousin Cathy were often traveling companions.

During the last several years, Joanie dedicated time and energy to exploring her Irish heritage and genealogy. She made several trips to Ireland, where she visited  Rosscarbery, the town where her ancestors lived after immigrating from Scotland.  As one of her cherished recent activities, Joanie attended several Irish song and dance festivals, where she delighted in dancing the Irish jig, and singing favorite Irish songs she had learned as a child. These activities gave her a sense of belonging and connection to her Irish heritage.  

At her home in Sweet Valley, Joanie enjoyed tending her flower gardens, feeding the birds, and cultivating natural beauty.  Throughout her life she also painted in watercolor and created calligraphy cards with Irish blessings and poems as gifts for family members, many of which are proudly displayed in our homes.  

Joanie’s smiling Irish eyes, lilting voice and laughter, strong spirit, and caring nature will be sadly missed.  She will live on in our hearts as we send her on her final journey to be reunited with her beloved parents and sister in their heavenly afterlife. As we always say in our family, “Hail Mary for safe travels, dear Joanie.”

A celebration of life service will be held at a later date to be announced. Arrangements are under the direction of The Richard H. Disque Funeral Home, Inc., 2940 Memorial Highway, Dallas, Pa. 18612. On line condolences can be made at Disquefuneralhome.com