Joan Helen Lafferty, 79, died Sunday, October 9, 2011 at her Lancaster home. Born in Philadelphia, she was the daughter of the late William E. and Margarite Feeney Chestnut.

She graduated from Bartram High School in Philadelphia with the class of 1949 and worked as an inspector for RCA. Joan was a member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, where she was a special minister of the Eucharist. She volunteered at the church rectory, St. Joseph Hospital and at ManorCare Health Services.

Surviving are her former husband Philip G. Lafferty, Lancaster; 7 sons, Philip G., Mount Joy, Patrick M., Andrew W., husband of Justina M., Kevin A., Joseph T. and Martin E., all Lancaster, and Vincent D., husband of Audrey L., Denver; 11 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Her siblings William, Richard, Mildred and Margaret preceded Joan in death.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place 11 AM Monday, October 17, 2011 at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, with The Rev. Michael E. Messner as Celebrant. A visitation will take place 10-11 AM at the church on Monday. Interment in St. Joseph New Catholic Cemetery. Please omit flowers. Memorial Contributions can be made to Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, 558 W. Walnut Street, Lancaster, PA 17603. To send the family online condolences, please visit SnyderFuneralHome.com. Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory 717-393-9661