Joan A. Tibbits,71, passed away November 20, after her 30+ year courageous battle with breast cancer. She was diagnosed at 39 years of age. Never once did she cry or feel sorry for herself. She was determined to watch her family grow and by God she did it.
She was predeceased by her husband, Clifford Tibbits; her parents; and a brother, Kenneth.
She will be dearly missed by her daughters, Beth Tibbits and husband Dave Anderson of Antioch, California, and Wendy Noonan and husband Tom of Gouverneur; three granddaughters Ashley, Skyler and Riley; and her sisters, Sharon McNeill and Ginny Auserehl.
She was born in Syracuse April 2, 1939. She graduated from high school in Jordan. Joan then moved to Potsdam and obtained her teaching degree in mathematics. During that time she met her husband,Cliff, on a blind date. Cliff was an engineering major at Clarkson. They married December 17th 1960. After teaching high school math for a few years she became a mom. Meanwhile, she and Cliff became co-owners of Riverside Ironworks.
Her family was her greatest source of joy and enduring pride. These years of contentment were the best of her life. She had gardens, a camp on a lake, a pool, and her loving family surrounding her always.
Her life was filled with golf, swimming, bowling, snowmobiling, sewing, reading, playing piano, and her poetry will bring a tear and a smile to the many lives she has touched. She loved attending every sporting event her daughters ever played and traveling to visit her sisters in California and Colorado.
Too soon her daughters left to pursue successful careers in Nashville and California. They enjoyed her unwavering support. To fill the void Joan began line dancing. This was her passion. Every Wednesday neither rain, sleet, nor snow would keep her away from her graceful footsteps. Her family believes she is dancing now pain free with the man she loved for more than 40 years.
Calling hours will be at Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur, Monday, November 22 from 5 to 7 p.m. with a brief service to follow. Contributions in her honor can be made to Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley.
