Joan Phalen

Joan Margaret Phalen, 96, passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home in Clearwater, Florida on July 21, 2025. Joan was a beloved sister, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, great grandmother, and great-great grandmother.

Born on August 20, 1928, in Oil City, PA, Joan was the oldest child of John and Gertrude Frawley. She had four brothers; John, William, Thomas, and Art, and two sisters; Barbara and Mary. She attended St Joseph grade school and St Joseph high school and remained dedicated to her Catholic faith throughout her life.

She married Herman Butiste in 1948 and worked alongside him in his family’s restaurant. They moved to Japan while Herman served in the US Airforce and adopted two children, Robert and Patricia. They returned to the United States and settled in Clearwater, Florida.

Throughout her life Joan had many close friendships. She enjoyed dancing, playing cards, reading and singing to her grandchildren and great grandchildren, returning to PA for family reunions, taking long walks at Clearwater beach, watching foreign films, listening to music, and attending Catholic mass.

After Herman passed, she met and married Ed Phalen. They enjoyed traveling together, playing bridge with friends, watching classic movies, and visiting family.

She was preceded in death by her husbands Herman and Ed, her parents John and Gertrude, and her siblings Bill, Art, and Mary.

She is survived by her children Robert and Patricia, her seven grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren, and three great- great grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings John, Tom, and Barbara as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and family friends.

A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at the Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park and Funeral home located at 2853 Sunset Point Rd in Clearwater, Fl, 33759 on August 17, 2025 at 10 am.