Joan Glowinski

Joan Glowinski (nee Barker), age 96, of Clarks Summit, PA passed away September 24, 2025.

Born May 9, 1929 in Bradford, Yorkshire, England, she was the daughter of the late Fred Barker and Alice (nee Holdsworth).

Joan was preceded in death by her daughter Teresa Hoffman; sister Evelyn Clark and brother Leonard Barker.

Joan’s young childhood was shaped by the outbreak of WWII in England. She was only 10 years old. Shielding in air raid shelters, wartime rationing and carrying a gas mask were the norm. She turned 16 the day after VE Day.

She immigrated to the US in the late 1950’s, eventually settling in Northeast Pennsylvania. She was a homemaker and waitress, but eventually returned to school and retired as a nurse of many years from Mercy Hospital in Scranton. Joan was a decades long member of the Covenant Presbyterian Church of Scranton. She always loved music and literature, but singing and performing were second nature to her. Her extensive travels throughout the US and Europe allowed her to fulfill her dreams for continuous learning and her love of history.

For several years she was a “Dearly Departed Player” at the Annual Dunmore Cemetery Tour, and performed with the Century Club. In addition to singing with her church choir, she was a past member of the Singer’s Guild of Scranton, Catholic Choral Society and participated with the Marywood Treble Singers during their European Tour in 1996. As attending rehearsals and transportation became more difficult, she switched her energy to performing at several Senior’s Have Talent Shows. At the age of 84 she received the first place award.

Her real lifetime love was listening to soft music while knitting. Following in her own paternal grandmother’s footsteps, who knitted for many soldiers, sailors, and airman during WWI and WWII, Joan volunteered her knitting skills and countless hours to her church, group homes, and other needy organizations.

Joan leaves behind two daughters; Monica of New York and Sharon Chisholm (Don) of Mississippi, both of whom loved her immeasurably and will miss her very much.

Service and interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests the “Gift of Life” (blood donation) be made to the American Red Cross. Monetary or food donations may be made to any food bank or like organization.