Joan M. Laffey, 79, of Allentown, PA, passed away suddenly on August 16, 2022. She was an incredibly loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She is survived by her devoted husband of 51 years, Thomas J Laffey, 79. Born on November 10, 1942 in York, PA, she was the daughter of the late Edward and Ruth Wagman. She is survived by two sisters, Anne Brenneman and Jeanne Wagman and a brother, Timothy Wagman, Sr.

Joan was a constant source of support for her children and grandchildren from the moment they were born. She is survived by her daughter, Rebecca Laffey, mother to Madeline and Thomas Farrell and her son Timothy Laffey, father to Myles and Camille Laffey. Her four grandchildren absolutely adored her and were the light of her life. She loved hosting holidays at her house surrounded by family.  One of Joan’s favorite things was to plan, organize, and participate in plays and all sorts of games including ping pong and basketball tournaments and even arm wrestling (she was able to beat her grandchildren!)

Throughout her life Joan demonstrated strength, determination, and leadership in so many roles. She studied nursing in college, achieved a masters degree and pursued the field with skill, dedication and confidence. She worked for the Visiting Nurses among other organizations, then moved into teaching nursing at Cedar Crest College in Allentown, PA. She achieved the role of the Dean of the School of Nursing, then ultimately served as Dean of Students until she retired in 2011. Her impact on the students she taught and mentored, as well as her fellow faculty members and the entire academic community was the hallmark of a long and successful career. It was a common occurrence for Joan to run into people she had taught throughout the Lehigh Valley and they were always overjoyed to see her. Joan was always active in her community, from being the leader of a folk group at her church for so many years to coaching cross country and being very active in her children’s schools. She was a strong athlete who enjoyed playing tennis her entire adult life. She and Tom had countless tennis matches against each other, and as doubles partners, several times, won the Ocean City NJ Tournament. They were fierce competitors on the tennis court! If we could add up their scores over time it may very well be even.

In her later years the majority of her time was spent caring for Tom who has Alzheimer’s. This took so much strength and compassion and shows how deep her love was for him. Joan met Tom as a sophomore at York High School, where she described it as love at first sight. They were high school sweethearts who, after going separate ways for almost 10 years after high school, reconnected and married soon after on June 26, 1971. Their 51 years together are a true story of love.

Her loss will leave a hole in our hearts that will never heal. But her goodness, her love of family and friends, and the profound influence she had on everyone who had the privilege to know her will provide lasting and cherished memories. We love you forever Mom, Grandma, Joan.

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