Joan Marie Frank

Joan Marie Frank, 73, passed away at home on Monday, May 4, 2026, in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.

Born in 1953 in Philadelphia, Joan was the daughter of the late Joseph L. and Anne Marie “Nancy” (Lawlor) Butkiewicz. She grew up in Kingston, Pennsylvania, graduated from West Side Central Catholic High School in 1971, and began her career as a dental assistant with Dr. Leonard Snyder in Wilkes-Barre.

In 1972, she married Robert E. Wasilewski. During that time, she took guardianship of her younger siblings after the untimely loss of their parents while renovating the family home, following the flooding of Tropical Storm Agnes. After the birth of their two children, they settled in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, where she worked for Prudential.

Joan later married Thomas Frank, where they built their life together in Palmyra, Pennsylvania. They were true partners in every sense. Her savvy skills in marketing and organization contributed to his successful career at Prudential. They shared a passion for golf as members of Hershey Country Club and Lebanon Valley Country Club. Joan was active in the Palmyra Women’s Club, where she served as vice president. In retirement, Joan and Tom moved to Punta Gorda, Florida, enjoying more time for golf as members of St. Andrews South Golf Club and many cruises as members of the Princess Captain’s Circle. Tom passed in April 2025; they would have celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary in November. Following his passing, Joan relocated to South Carolina to be near her family.

She was preceded in death by brothers-in-law Jack Goodwin and Jim Dennis.

She is survived by: her former husband, Bob; son Rob Wasilewski; daughter Nancy (Jim) Chilton and granddaughter, Lexi; stepdaughters Lori Ann (Frank) Cataldi and Susan Marie (Frank) Buckley; brother Dr. James (Mary Ellen) Butkiewicz and nieces Erica and Lauren; sister Mary Ann Dennis; sister Louise Goodwin (Dr. Joe Szustak) and nieces Maura and Colleen; brother Joe Butkiewicz (Carole Poggi), niece Annemarie and nephew Will; sister Laura (James) Hoffman, and nieces Ellen and Elizabeth.

Joan avidly solved crossword puzzles and enjoyed reading books. She loved watching classic movies and shows, Penn State football, Hershey's Nuggets, champagne, and her red Ford Mustang-not necessarily in that order. In her final days, she found great joy in being near her children and their families.

A celebration of life will be held in Dallas, Pennsylvania June 7, 2026 with family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to thehttp://www.epilepsy.com/