Obituary of Joan R. Richie

Joan R. Richie, 89, of Shavertown passed away Wednesday September 17, 2025, at The Meadows Nursing & Rehabilitation, Dallas, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Wilkes-Barre the daughter of the late John and Irene Armbruster Engel. Joan graduated from St. Nicholas High School, class of 1953. She worked at Sterling Engineering, Wilkes-Barre and later at The Sunday Independent Newspaper as a computer typist until her retirement. Joan had a deep faith in God and was a member of St. Nicholas /St. Mary Parish, Wilkes-Barre and their Altar & Rosary Society. Joan enjoyed gardening, vacationing at the New Jersey Shore and following her grandchildren’s interests and activities. She was preceded in death by her brothers, John, Leo, and Donald Engel and sister, Arlene Engel. Joan is survived by James, her loving husband of 59 years. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her daughter, Linda Grodski, Exeter, sons, James Richie Jr. (Tammy), Shavertown, John Richie (Joanie), Kingston, grandchildren, Jeffery, Brian, and Kevin Grodski, Brian Goyne, Brandon and Lauren Richie. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday September 22, 2025, from St. Nicholas /St. Mary Parish, 226 S. Washington St., Wilkes-Barre. Anyone attending mass is asked to go directly to the church. A private interment will take place in St. Nicholas Cemetery, Shavertown. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Nat Gawlas Jordan Funeral Home, Wilkes-Barre. Online condolences can be made by visiting Joan’s obituary at www.ngjfuneral.com