Joan Rutkowski

Joan T. Rutkowski, 75, of Youngsville, PA and formerly of Lackawanna, NY, passed away March 21, 2018 at Warren General Hospital with her daughter by her side.

She was born May 19, 1942, in Lackawanna, NY, a daughter to the late, Stanley F. and Romualda Rutkowski. Joan graduated in the the top of her nursing class, as an RN and worked at many hospitals. She enjoyed caring for others, baking, bowling and have a love for food. Joan came to Warren in September of 2013 and shortly after her arrival she suffered a massive pulmonary embolism. At that time she was placed in the John and Orpha Blair Hospice House where the wonderful nursing staff cared for her so well that she graduated hospice in January 2014. Joan then became a resident at the Rouse Home enjoying the daily activities, eating meals with same lovely ladies walks and faithful fellowship with her loving friend, Susan Ledebur. She eagerly looked forward to her weekly outings with her beloved and dear friend, Pat O’Day. The family would like to recognize the nursing staff at the Hospice House, the Rouse Home and also the doctor and nurses of the critical care unit at Warren General Hospital for the wonderful care they gave Joan.

Joan is survived by the father of her children, Arthur Gawlak of Texas, a son, Anthony Gawlak of California his wife Suzy and their children, Allan and Lani, a son, Douglas Gawlak of Texas and a daughter, Nadine Gawlak of North Carolina and her partner Jarrod Hand; a sisterinlaw, Bonnie Sawicki and her children, Danny and Lynda all of Lackawanna, NY; a brotherinlaw, Dan Gawlak of NY and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Rosemary, a brotherinlaw, Tom Sawicki and 2 sistersinlaw, Evelyn Filler and Bernice Gawlak.

Friends and family are invited to call on Saturday, March 24th from 12:001:00PM with a memorial Mass starting at 1:00PM at the Holy Redeemer Roman Catholic Church in Warren, with the Rev. Fr. James Gutting, pastor, officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Warren County, PO Box 68, Warren, PA 16365.

The Nelson Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Youngsville have been entrusted with all arrangements. Condolences to the family may be made at www.nelsonfuneralhome.net.