Obituary of Joan Kapinus, 85

Joan Eileen Nicholson Kapinus, 85, of Centre Hall, passed away peacefully with family at her side, on Friday, February 26, 2016, at Centre Crest in Bellefonte. She was born February 24, 1931, in Dickson City, PA, a daughter of the late Edward Norman and Lillian Mae (Davis) Nicholson. On July 12, 1952, she married Cyril “Cy” R. Kapinus who preceded her in death, July 19, 2010.

Mrs. Kapinus was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Centre Hall, and also attended the New Hope Lutheran Church in Spring Mills in her later years, with family members. As did many people of her generation, Joan grew up learning that faith, hard work, and dedication were important ethics to possess with pride. Next to her faith, her family and home were her passions.

In her free time, Joan cherished time with her family, teaching her grandchildren to bake and sew. Her beautiful home reflected her love of antiques and her passion for holiday celebrations, always decorating every room with love.

Outside the home, Joan pursued a career in retail service, retiring as an assistant manager after more than twenty years at Dank’s Department Store in downtown, State College. She formed life-long friendships with many co-workers, with whom she met regularly over the years for gatherings since her retirement in 1992.

Upon retiring, Joan, along with her husband, Cy, participated in many local craft shows. They took great pride in the fact that they were among the original craftsmen to establish the Peoples’ Choice Arts Festival. Cy’s woodwork pieces were beautifully complemented by Joan’s many talents – quilting, cross-stitch, wool penny-art, and crochet work, to name a few. They forged many friendships there, also, with other craftsmen and loyal customers who came back to visit them, year after year.

Surviving are three sons; Robert (Kathy) of Centre Hall, Edward (Anne) of Spring Mills, and Thomas (Michele) of Reedsville; one sister, Beverly Goodrich of Bechtelsville, PA; seven grandchildren, Sarah Fisher (Jeremy), Nick (Kayla), Jakob, Audrie, Hanna, Cyril, and Samuel; and four great grandchildren Sophia, Jeremiah and Sadie Fisher and Maggie Kapinus.

A memorial gathering will be held at 10:00 AM, Monday, February 29, 2016 at New Hope Lutheran Church, 119 Cobblestone Court, Spring Mills. A memorial service will follow at 11:00 AM with the Reverend Brandon Cian officiating. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Joan’s memory to New Hope Lutheran Church, 119 Cobblestone Court, Spring Mills, PA 16875.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the exceptionally caring staff at Centre Crest, for treating our mother with such heartwarming care and dignity.