This memorial website was created in memory of our Aunt Joan.
Joan R. Price, BSN, NP, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully in May 2025 at
West Penn Hospital, lovingly surrounded by family.
Born on October 12, 1942, in St. Marys, Pennsylvania, Joan was the devoted daughter of the late George E. Price and Josephine “Bobbie” (Rocks) Price. A proud graduate of Cameron County High School (Class of 1960), Joan followed her calling to nursing with fierce dedication and grace. She earned her diploma in nursing from St. Francis Hospital School of Nursing in 1963, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Carlow College (magna cum laude), and a
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner certification from the University of Pittsburgh. She also completed graduate coursework toward a Master’s in Professional Leadership at Carlow University, focusing on education and healthcare leadership.
Throughout her career, Joan was a pioneer in pediatric care, clinical education, and medical research. She began as a staff nurse and pediatric nurse practitioner and later served in faculty and leadership roles at prestigious institutions, including Forbes Family Practice Residency Program, Bosch Healthcare, Viterion (a Bayer Panasonic company), and IQVia. She trained
countless medical students, nurse practitioner candidates, and resident physicians while also developing national education programs and supporting major clinical trials.
Joan was known not only for her clinical skills and academic contributions but also for the heart she brought to every patient encounter and classroom. She was honored with the Patient Care
Award for Excellence in Patient Education by the American Academy of Family Physicians and the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine. Her teaching, whether in a hospital, conference hall, or community setting, empowered countless professionals and families alike. Beyond her professional achievements, Joan lived a life of service, creativity, and community.
She was deeply devoted to her faith and an active member of St. Mary Magdalene Parish, St. Bede Church, where she served faithfully as a lector, Eucharistic minister, parish council member, and co-chair of the synodal committee. She was also honored to serve as godparent to many, a role she cherished and embraced with love and commitment.
Joan maintained a lifelong connection to her nursing roots through her active involvement in the St. Francis School of Nursing Alumni Association, where she served in leadership roles including Board Member, Secretary, and Chair of the Scholarship Committee. She held great pride in her alma mater and worked to support and mentor future generations of nurses.
Joan was also a gifted and joyful creative spirit. She took great delight in designing and crafting bridal, First Communion, and prom headpieces, bringing beauty and meaning to milestone celebrations. She had a deep love for reading, always eager to learn and share new insights, and found joy in cooking, event planning, decorating, and the quiet companionship of her
beloved cats.
She is survived by her sister, Michele (Price) McKotch; her nephew, BJ Schweikart (Jessica); and her adored great-nephew, Xander, with whom she shared a special bond. Joan also leaves behind a close circle of beloved friends, her chosen family, including Donna Abriatis andher family, the Gillette family, and Kathy Chrisman, as well as a treasured group of lifelong college friends who remained her constant companions through the years.
She was preceded in death by her parents and by her nephew, Tristan Schweikart.
Joan will be remembered for her brilliant mind, nurturing spirit, and boundless generosity. Whether through her role as a nurse practitioner, aunt, mentor, artist, godparent, or friend, she lived a life of meaning, beauty, and connection. Her legacy continues in the hearts of all she taught, healed, loved, and inspired.
The family will receive friends at a memorial mass at St. Marks 235 E. Fourth St. Emporium, PA on Saturday, (May 17, 2025) starting at 11 AM with Father Paul Siebert officiating, There will be luncheon following the services at the Cameron County Vets Club.
A mass at St Bede Church - Saint Mary Magdalene Parish in Pittsburgh PA will be
announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the following in Joan’s name:
St. Francis School of Nursing Alumni Association scholarship, P.O. Box 40182
Pittsburgh, PA 15201 and you can email sfmcson@gmail.com for any additional
information. Susan G. Komen breast cancer research.
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To send flowers to the family in memory of Joan Price, please contact Flowers-N-Things 45
E 4th St, Emporium, PA 15834, (814) 486-1469.
