Joan Mckeon Barry

Joan McKeon Barry, 88, died peacefully in her home on Monday, November 16, 2015. Born to the late Harry R. and Edna (Hildebrand) McKeon, Joan was raised in Philadelphia, a city she loved dearly. She was the wife of Shadwick A., with whom she would have celebrated 63 years of marriage on November 28th.

After graduating from Cecilian Academy in Germantown, Joan went on to earn a journalism degree from Pennsylvania State University in 1948. In her eyes, Penn State was the only school worth attending and she was particularly proud to be the grand-niece of Charles Hildebrand, co-founder of the Nittany Lions football team. She was also a sister in AOII.

Joan enjoyed her career as a journalist, working for Philadelphia newspapers and WCAU radio. After her 1952 marriage, she and her husband moved to Kansas where she worked at Olathes local newspaper, the Johnson County Herald. A highlight of that job was the opportunity to attend a dinner with John F. Kennedy, who, as a senator, was campaigning for a local candidate.

After staying home to raise her three children, Joan returned to the workforce and joined the late Carol Falcon in Cedar Crest Colleges Information and Publications office. Upon leaving Cedar Crest, Joan enjoyed positions at Northampton Community and Moravian Colleges.

Not one to accept retirement, Joan worked part-time for several years as the secretary of Emmaus Moravian Church, where she was welcomed by its warm congregation.

When retirement was finally embraced, Joan enjoyed traveling with Shad to Niagara Falls, New Orleans, Hyannis, Bermuda, as well as other places. She also enjoyed spending time with her family and took great pride in the achievements of her three grandsons.

Joan also enjoyed volunteering, delivering meals for Meals on Wheels, working on the Bookmobile for the Bethlehem Public Library, and for AAUW. She was also an active volunteer when her children were in school.

Joan was a founding member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Bethlehem.

In addition to her husband, Joan will be lovingly remembered by her children, S. Alex of Milwaukee , WI, Patricia A. and her husband Gary Yoder, Janet E., all of Bethlehem. She will be missed by her daughter-in-law, Rocio VonPreysing, grandsons, Christian of Laredo, TX and Shadwick and Nathaniel Yoder of Bethlehem, brother, Harry R. of Springhouse, nephews and her beloved McKeon, Hildebrand and Rookstool cousins.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, November 21, in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 3219 Santee Rd., Bethlehem, PA 18020 at 11 AM. Friends and family may call one hour prior to the Mass. Arrangements Connell Funeral Home.

Those wishing to honor Joan, who was an avid reader, may send memorial contributions to Bethlehem Public Librarys Room2Grow project or to Our Lady of Perpetual Help School, Bethlehem.

Cemetery
Holy Saviour Cemetery
2575 Linden St.
Bethlehem PA 18017
US

Viewing
Saturday, November 21, 2015
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church
3219 Santee Road
Bethlehem PA 18020
US

Funeral Mass
Saturday, November 21, 2015
11:00 AM
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church
3219 Santee Road
Bethlehem PA 18020
US

Funeral HomeConnell Funeral Home, Inc.
245 East Broad St.
Bethlehem PA - 18018
US
610-868-8531