Joan E. Gibbons, 77, of 310 5th Ave. So., Hurley, widow of prominent retired Hurley businessman and banker Edward J. Gibbons, died Saturday, Dec. 22, 2007, in Wausau, Wis. Joan was born Jan. 18, 1930, in Wakefield, Mich., the second of identical twin daughters to Chester and Agnes (Petranek) Rydeski. She grew up in Wakefield, atttending Catholic Grade School, and graduated from the Wakefield High School Class of 1947. After graduation, she attended Duluth Business University, Duluth, Minn., earning an Associate Degree in Business Administration. She then worked in Duluth for a short time with the American Red Cross Agency, returning to Wakefield in 1950 to care for her mother after her father's sudden and unexpected death. Upon returning to Wakefield, Joan took over her father's position as the City Clerk of Wakefield. On Sept. 25, 1954, she was married to Edward J. Gibbons of Hurley, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Wakefield. Ed preceded her in death on Dec. 8, 2006. After marrying and while her children were in school, Joan stayed at home, devoting her time to caring for her family and volunteering her time to numerous activities and organizations within the local community. She supported her husband through the many years they owned and operated their family business, the Iron County Lumber and Fuel Company and later, when in 1975, he took over the position of president and CEO of the Iron Exchange Bank, until his time of retirement in 1990. From 1975 to 1990, Joan worked part-time in the bank as a Teller/Bookkeeping Assistant. Joan was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Hurley, and a former member of the Daughters of Isabella and St. Mary's Catholic Women's Council. She was also a former member of the Hurley Lionettes Club; the Hurley Women's Club; and the Highline Corporation Board of Directors. Joan was a very talented musician and pianist, and during her high school years, she played in her father's dance band, meeting her future husband while playing at the Lakeview in Wakefield. When her children were young, she enjoyed accompanying their children's choir at St. Mary's Grade School. Over the years, she also played the piano for holiday parties held in the community by various civic organizations. She enjoyed spending time with her many friends and grandchildren, playing cards and games. She spent many hours knitting sweaters, afghans, and other items to give as gifts. She loved to read and often sat next to the kitchen window watching the many birds and wildlife take their turns at the birdfeeders. Joan will be remembered for her kind heart and gentle spirit. She always put others before herself--her love and devotion as a wife and mother will forever be an inspiration to all who have had the pleasure of knowing and loving her. Survivors include two sons, Edward (Christine), Marathon, Wis., and Tim (Maria), Springfield, VA; a daughter, Jean (James) Borgman, Owatonna, Minn.; grandchildren, Jenny (Jason) O'Rourke, Julie, Joanna and Jessie Gibbons, Peter Borgman, and Claire (Brandon) Livingood; twin sister, Jean Laird, Oak Lawn, ILL; two sister-in-laws, Diane Meehan, Escanaba, Mich., and Eileen (Ken) Forbes, Sacramento, Calif.; special friends, Lorraine (Mike) Andrashie, Leon Baron, and Robbie Lanctoe; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. Besides her parents and husband, Joan was preceded in death by two brothers-in-law, Jack Laird and Jack Meehan. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, Dec. 27, at 11 a.m., at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Hurley, with the Rev. Michael Hayden, celebrant. Rite of Committal will be held at the church, with a luncheon reception to follow at the Liberty Bell Chalet in downtown Hurley. Spring burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Hurley. Relatives and friends may call at the church from 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Thursday. Pallbearers will be Peter Borgman, Robbie Lanctoe, Leon Baron, Tony White, Harry Falbe and Jason O'Rourke. To view Joan's obituary online, sign the guestbook and express condolences, visit mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com. Engstrom Funeral Home, Hurley, is assisting the family