Joan A. Zim, 90, a resident of Swoyersville, passed quietly into eternal life on Sunday morning, January 18, 2026.

Her beloved husband of 52 years was the late J. Eugene ‘Gene’ Zim who passed away on December 06, 2011.

Born on April 21, 1935, at her family home in Swoyersville, Joan was one of four children born to the late Stephen Sapack and Helen Dimple Sapack.

Receiving her early education at the former Holy Trinity School, Swoyersville, Joan went on to graduate from the former Swoyersville High School, Class of 1953, and furthered her education at College Misericordia (Misericordia University); Penn State University, Lehman Campus; and Luzerne County Community College.

Prior to her retirement, Joan was employed by the Luzerne County Bureau of the Aging, Wilkes-Barre. Prior to that, she was employed by Tobyhanna Army Depot and, while her husband was serving in the Army, at Fort George G. Meade Military Base, Maryland, and the Naval Security Station, Washington D.C. In her younger years, she was employed by the former S.S. Kresge Department Store, Wilkes-Barre and the former General Cigar Company, Kingston.

Joan was a faithful Catholic and a lifelong member of Holy Trinity Church, Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Swoyersville.

A master gardener, Joan found joy in cultivating flowers in her greenhouse and tending to the flower gardens that surrounded her home. Holding membership with both the West Side Flower Club and the Wilkes-Barre Garden Club, she was not only the recipient of many awards, including “best in show,” she also served as a flower show judge. Besides her love for flowers, Joan was also known for her beautiful oil paintings as well as her great love for animals, especially the many dogs she had throughout her life.

Family brought Joan the greatest joy and she truly cherished every moment she shared with her loved ones. Her grandchildren held the most special place in her heart – she was blessed to play an instrumental part in helping to raise them and was so very proud of each of their accomplishments. She leaves behind a legacy of love that will forever be cherished in the hearts of her beloved family.

In addition to her parents, Stephen and Helen Sapack, and her husband, Gene, Joan was preceded in death by her beloved infant daughter, Kristen Holly Zim, who passed away on December 31, 1973; her brothers, Corporal James Sapack, who was killed in action during the Korean War, and William Sapack; and her sister, Marie Levitski.

Left to cherish her memory are her son, Christopher Zim Sr.; her three grandchildren, Christopher Zim Jr., Dr. Abigail Zim, and Noah Zim; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Joan’s family would like to thank the entire staff at the Highland Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Exeter, for their care and commitment.

In accordance with Joan’s wishes, the viewing and funeral service will be privately held for her immediate family, with a Mass of Christian Burial in Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Swoyersville. The Reverend Father John J. Chmil, her Pastor, will be the celebrant.

Interment with the Rite of Committal will follow in Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Cemetery, Swoyersville.

The Zim family entrusted Joan’s funeral arrangements to the care of the Wroblewski Funeral Home, Inc., 1442 Wyoming Avenue, Forty Fort.

To share a memory of Joan or message of condolence with her family, you may visit the funeral home website, www.wroblewskifuneralhome.com, or Facebook page.

To send flowers to the family or place a tree in memory of Joan A. Zim, please visit our Tribute Store.