Joan Gerarde
Joan Gerarde
Passing through the Gates of Heaven, Joan Dunham Gerarde exchanged an Old Rugged Cross for her third and final crown. She was born in North Warren PA to her loving parents, Chet and C. Dorothy Myers Dunham. She was a member of North Warren Presbyterian Church.
Joan was her high school class co-president and worked on many class reunions. She was Warren High school’s first homecoming queen (first crown). She was Miss Warren County for the 4th of July (second crown, which was placed on her head by Miss Pennsylvania, thanks to Warren JCs).
Joan loved golf, bowling, cross-country skiing, ice and roller skating. She earned many awards for these activities. She was employed at Alcon Manufacturing for over 40 years. Prior to that, she was employed at PNC Bank and her first job was at Dairy Queen. Joan was a skilled landscaper; her flower beds were exquisite and her vegetable garden was always abundant. She had a sense of humor that was second to none and a smile that would warm your heart.
Joan met her best friend and partner Tom Hibner, at Alcon over 40 years ago. Together they traveled and enjoyed many vacations and adventures. They went to Maine for lobster, ferried to Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and down the St. Lawrence Seaway. They railroaded through the Canadian Rocky Mountains, flew down into the Grand Canyon, toured the Hoover Dam top to bottom, enjoyed dinner shows in Las Vegas, spent time in Mexico at various resorts, cruised through the Panama Canal, shopped in Costa Rica, cruised the Caribbean Islands, stayed in Jamica and Aruba, St. Kitts and the Dominican Republic. Tom took Joan to Paris and Ireland, which were trips of a lifetime. They enjoyed their time in Emerald Island, NC on a regular basis and loved walking the sandy beaches. Joan loved to be with Tom experiencing these wonderful places.
Joan is survived by her sons Vince, Jon (Mary) and Ryan, whom she adored immensely. Her sisters Patricia and Virgina (Jim) Cottrell, and brother Chet (Nancy) Dunham, many nieces and nephews, and her long-time partner and best friend, Tom Hibner.
Joan was a member of Warren Moose, Warren Eagles, Frewsburg Legion and Carroll Rod & Gun. She wishes to thank Jen J., Renee and Andy, Faye and Hal, David M., Carol and Jerry J., Phil H. and Nicole, and John and Connie for their kindness.
No service will be observed according to Joan’s wishes.
Those wishing to send online condolences may do so by visiting www.petersonblickfuneralhome.com.