Joan M. Beard Dillon, 75, of Mount Lebanon, passed away gently in the loving care of her family at the Center for Compassionate Care on Tuesday just hours before her 76th birthday. Her family wishes to thank all the angels who cared for her toward the end.

Born and raised in McKeesport, she was a graduate of St. Pius V Catholic School, McKeesport High School and the Mercy Hospital School of Nursing.

She was a dignified but humble lady with a clever and welcoming humor that helped her make and keep friends. She was a caring nurse, charitable volunteer and good friend.

Her lifelong love for the game of bridge made her an excellent partner and worthy opponent. She had a talent for knitting, and her many creations were always put to good use.

She was a proud charter member and lifelong vocalist with the Blueberry Muffin Girls.

She was the beloved wife for almost 50 years of her recently deceased husband, Daniel J. Dillon, M.D.; devoted mother of Dr. Stephen V. Dillon and his wife, Lisabeth; loving grandmother of her champion, Daniel, and princess, Juliana; sister of Nancy Iacobucci of Ross Township, Donna (Ray) Heatherington of Raleigh, N.C., Margie (Al) Slafka of Fort Mill, S.C., and John Beard of Leesburg, Fla.; cousin of Alice Beard of North Huntingdon Township; and sister-in-law of Charles Dillon (Nina), the late Judge John Dillon (Catherine) and Ann Carlin (Gerald). Also surviving are 25 nieces and nephews.

We have lost a great lady. "Goodnight Sweet Princess."

<B>DILLON</B> — Friends of Joan M. Beard Dillon, who died Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2008, will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. today and from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the <B>Laughlin Memorial Chapel</B>, 222 Washington Road, Mount Lebanon. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday at the St. Anne Church. Entombment will be at the Queen of Heaven Mausoleum.Memorials may be made to the Family Hospice, 50 Moffet St., Pittsburgh, PA 15243.Information is available and online condolences may be submitted at www.laughlinfuneralhome.com.