Joan Salansky, 82, passed away on March 17, 2016, at Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell.

Joan was born to Frances and Alfred Pagano on Nov. 20,1933, in the Bronx, New York. She lived in the Bronx for her first eight years until her family moved to Yonkers, New York.

She attained her early childhood education at Mount Saint Vincent Academy. She attended Elizabeth Seton Academy for high school. Following her graduation from high school, Joan had a hard time making the decision on where she would go to further her education. Her parents wanted her to stay in New York, even to the point where her father promised her a brand-new car if she’d stay. Despite being an only child, Joan had a strong desire to experience new places, meet new people, and learn new things. Georgetown University is where she aspired to go and, indeed, she made it happen. She went to nursing school and found it challenging, yet rewarding.

Joan met her husband, Jim, on a blind date. Jim was attending Georgetown University Law School. They fell in love and got married on Jan. 7,1955. Following their marriage, she took the state nursing boards and passed, becoming a full-fledged registered nurse. The two of them moved to Kalispell where Joan experienced a different way of life. She was amazed at the relaxed pace in Montana.

Joan worked for Flathead County as a home health nurse. Following home health care, she worked for School District 5 as a school nurse from 1969 to 1994. She worked at Flathead High School along with several of the local elementary schools.

Her job as a school nurse changed throughout her 25 years of employment. The early years of her job consisted of making sure the students were up to date on immunizations and health screenings. In the later years, her job became more difficult due to a higher caseload. Joan was saddened by the knowledge of the rough living situations many of the children were faced with. She was the perfect nurse: kind, resourceful and extremely capable.

Joan and Jim had four children. They had a very active household. Susan, Mark, Diane and Marie, their children, were involved in an assortment of clubs, teams, lessons and groups. She was very proud of her children and received great joy from them.

Joan was preceded in death by both of her parents. Her husband, Jim Salansky, passed away on Sept. 23, 1985.

Joan was blessed with eight grandchildren, Shea, Lauren, Kaid, Kiefer, Karissa, Cory, Christopher and Kaleb. She adored each of them and loved watching them grow. She was over the moon when her first great grandchild, Jackson, was born last summer.

Being a member of St. Matthew’s Parish was one of the most important aspects of Joan’s life. She received a lot of strength and comfort from her faith. Music was also important to her. She loved to sing, dance and listen to many types of music. Joan loved to learn and try new things. She loved being active outdoors. Every chance she got, she enjoyed skiing, hiking, golfing, gardening, playing cards and reading.

Prestige Assisted Living was her residence for the last five years. She loved living there, and she considered everyone who worked and lived there part of her family. She continued to utilize her nursing skills and compassion with many of her friends who lived there. Our family wishes to extend our sincere gratitude and appreciation towards the staff at both Prestige Assisted Living and the Immanuel Lutheran Home. The love and compassion you all showed our mother was above and beyond what we could have ever expected. Somehow, each and every one of you found your own unique way to comfort and reassure her. We are amazed at the care you provide on a daily basis, and we are forever grateful to all of you.

A public viewing will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 6, at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home, and a rosary will immediately follow at 7 p.m. A funeral Mass will be held at 12:10 p.m. on Thursday, April 7, at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, with a burial following at C.E Conrad Memorial Cemetery.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for the family.