Joan P. Daughen, age 84, wife of Joseph R. Daughen, of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, formerly of Glenside, passed away on Sunday, February 14, 2021 in Brandywine Hall, West Chester after a series of health crises in recent years. Born on April 4, 1936 in Philadelphia, she was a daughter of the late Vivian (Kirchoff) and William Purdy.
Joan grew up in Philadelphia and graduated from Lincoln High School. The guidance counselor at Lincoln saw the potential in Joan and nominated her for a full scholarship to Temple University, which she subsequently won. Although her parents made her leave college after two semesters, she spent enough time at Temple to meet a handsome journalism student named Joe. He captured her heart, while his family showed her unconditional love and quickly made her an honorary Italian.
The love story between Joan and Joe was one for the ages. Their devotion to each other was evident to all who spent even a moment in their presence. Their unwavering support for each other through the peaks and valleys of life was unmatched.
Joan reveled in her role as a mother to their daughter, Joan Patrice. She was an active participant and cheerleader in her daughter's life and education. Later, she was a champion of her son-in-law, Robb Cadigan. By far, her greatest joy was being a grandmother to her dear grandchildren, Ryan and Caroline. Joan cherished every moment with her grandchildren playing games and puzzles, attending their concerts and sporting events, and bragging to all her friends about how perfect they were. She also was not above sharing photos and stories about her beloved "grand-dogs."
Joan spent much of her life as a homemaker, which allowed her to care for her family and gave her the opportunity to volunteer in her community. With her sweet nature and never an unkind word, her true passion was in helping other people. Joan was a Girl Scout leader, PTA volunteer at Glenside-Weldon Elementary, and a very active longtime member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Glenside. She served on Church Council, volunteered in the office, and helped others as a Stephen Minister. Her friends in the Deborah Circle were an important part of her life for over 40 years and the source of the support she needed at many points in that time.
Joan enjoyed cooking and loved to host the extended family at holidays. She somehow managed to cook more than enough food for 20 or 30 people in a tiny kitchen. She was in her glory when all her assorted siblings, nieces and nephews and friends were gathered around her table.
Later in life, Joan and Joe found time to travel with friends and family, including special trips with her sister Vicki and her husband Ray to Sun Valley and to visit their brother Bill and his wife Bea in Minnesota, to Ireland and Scotland with friends, and to New York City every Christmas season. For several wonderful years, they owned a bayside cottage on Long Beach Island next door to their good friends Pat and Tom and enjoyed some of the best summers of their lives at the shore.
In addition to her loving husband of 59 years, Joan Daughen is survived by a daughter: Joan D., wife of Robb Cadigan, of Phoenixville; grandchildren: Ryan and Caroline Cadigan, both of Phoenixville; and many dear nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by two infant daughters: Susan and Carol Daughen; and siblings: Vivian Reinard (the late Ray) and William Purdy (Bea).
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a joint memorial service for Joan and Joseph on Friday, July 16, 2021 at 11:00 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 120 N. Easton Road, Glenside, PA 19038. Friends will be received from 9:30 - 11:00. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Joan's name to St. Paul's Lutheran Church at the address above. Arrangements are being handled by the Campbell - Ennis - Klotzbach Funeral Home, Inc., Phoenixville. To offer condolences to Joan's family, please visit www.PhoenixvilleFuneralHome.com