Joanne (Delfonse) Tibbs

Joanne (Delfonse) Tibbs, 75 years of age, of Crete passed away Thursday, March 29, 2018 at Premier Estates of Crete. She was born on April 14, 1942 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the eldest child of four, to Michael and Theresa (Francisco) Delfonse. Joanne grew up in Philadelphia and spent childhood summers in Wildwood, New Jersey. She attended Corpus Christi School and later Ravenhill Academy of the Assumption, both in Philadelphia. From an early age it was quite evident that Joanne was truly blessed with many talents, among them, a singing voice which could be likened to Julie Andrews. Her dulcet tones often won her the lead roles in a number of musical performances in high school and also a beautiful rendition of O Holy Night at midnight mass at Corpus Christi Church which many to this day still recall. Joanne was well read and also displayed a keen talent for everything artistic, from cooking, baking, knitting, crochet, craft, and especially fashion design. While in her senior year at high school, Joanne was awarded a one-year scholarship to the Moore Institute of Art for Women in Philadelphia.

In the Autumn of 1964 Joanne was accepted at the renowned Traphagen School of Fashion Design in New York City and quickly seized the opportunity and moved there with Dolores, her youngest sister, and studied at Traphagen for two years. Joanne met Melvin Tibbs in the mid-1960s through a mutual friend. It soon became quite apparent that they fell in love and later married in the Summer of 1968 after which time they moved to Nebraska to start their married life together on a farm. Their beloved children arrived: Christopher in 1969, followed by Susan in 1970 and Danica in 1972. Joanne was the epitome of refinement with her kindness, good nature, and etiquette. As her sister said, “Growing up, I always looked up to Joanne and I had a strong sense of pride and admiration, especially as people often said she was every mother's dream of a perfect daughter!” May the Lord bless her and keep her and may He let His light shine upon her. May she rest in peace and rise in glory!

Joanne is survived by a son, Maj. Christopher O’Connell and wife Nigora of Madison, Wisconsin; daughters, Susan O’Connell, Danica Shafer and husband Scott, both of Seward; 9 grandchildren; sister, Dolores Haestier and husband John of Lincolnshire, England; and one 1 niece and 7 nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Melvin; sister, Gloria Stott; and brother, Michael Delfonse.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 AM Saturday, March 31, 2018 at Harman-Wright Mortuary in Beatrice with Father Robert Barnhill officiating. Interment will follow in the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery north of Beatrice. Visitation will be held from 3 to 5 PM Friday, March 30, 2018 at Harman-Wright Mortuary in Beatrice. Memorials are suggested to the family’s choice in care of the mortuary. Harman-Wright Mortuary in Beatrice in charge of arrangements.

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