R. Joan Brison, age 77, of Kittanning died on Thursday, December 31, 2009 at the Kittanning Health Center.

She was born on November 5, 1932 in Parkers Landing, Butler County to Daniel Howard and Ruth Eleanor (Watson) Parks.

Mrs. Brison was a protestant by faith. A 1950 graduate of St. Petersburg High School, Joan was employed with the Deshon Veterans Hospital and Private Duty Nurses of Butler County as a nurse prior to joining the Butler County Memorial Hospital staff where she worked as an operating room nurse for 9 years until her retirement in 1969 to raise her family. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star Freeport Chapter #139 and the Butler County Memorial Hospital Alumni Association. Joan's special interests included reading books, often reading a book a day, arts and crafts as well as sewing and cooking. She especially loved fishing, and enjoyed the many fishing trips to Canada that she and Tom experienced together. All who knew Joan appreciated that her greatest pleasure came from her children and grandchildren and the time they spent together.

She is survived by her daughter, Colette Elaine Farester of Kittanning; her son, Raymond Thomas Brison and his wife Kristin of Kittanning; a granddaughter, Emily Brison; and grandson, Owen Brison.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Thomas C. Brison whom she married November 12, 1953 and who died July 13, 2009; and her Aunt who raised her, Virginia Dunkle.

Family and friends will be received from 2-4 PM on Sunday, January 3, 2010 at Bauer Funeral Home, Kittanning. Additional visitation will be held from 10:00AM until the time of services at 11:00AM on Monday, January 5, 2010, at the funeral home with the Rev. Dr. Allyn Ricketts officiating.

Interment will follow in Lawn Haven Burial Estates, East Franklin Twp., Armstrong Co.