Joan F. Durso

Joan F. Durso (nee Rufo), age 73, of Drexel Hill, PA, passed away on September 28, 2025. Born in Philadelphia, PA, she was the beloved daughter of the late Louis J. and Frances Rufo (nee Cattafesta).

Joan graced the lives of all who knew her with a spirit that radiated warmth, kindness, and unwavering devotion—qualities that defined her and shaped her legacy.

Joan was a woman deeply grounded in her family, exhibiting an extraordinary capacity for love that extended beyond mere words. Her devotion was not only to her immediate family but also to her beloved nieces and nephews, whom she cherished by reading to them, sharing stories, playing games, and creating precious memories that will be treasured for generations to come.

A woman of exceptional taste, Joan had a flair for fashion that was as vibrant as her personality. She possessed the unique ability to effortlessly blend elegance with vivacity, always dressed beautifully, and exuding a jazzy charm that drew people towards her. Her zest for life was infectious, spreading happiness wherever she went.

Joan held a strong passion for civic engagement and was fiercely proud to be an American. This fervor resonated through her active participation in volunteer missions, where she contributed her time and energy selflessly to causes close to her heart. She spent her career in service positions from the administrative support of the executive team at Arco, to a patient advocate at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.

An intelligent woman with a curious mind, Joan's love for reading was not confined to her young relatives; it extended to her own lifelong pursuit of knowledge, as she passionately engaged in diverse topics that piqued her interest. Her joyful disposition often left the impression of a radiant ray of sunshine; her smile was infectious. Joan’s life was a tapestry woven together with threads of kindness, joy, and unwavering support for others.

Joan was the loving sister of Louis Rufo, Charles Rufo (Sunny), Anthony Rufo, John Rufo (Janice), Mary Doughty (Michael), Ann Costello (Jim), and Michael Rufo (Kim) and caring aunt of Lauren Rufo, Chaz Rufo (Sunny), Anthony Rufo, Genna Smyth (Patrick), Susan Muniak (Joseph), J. Ben Rufo, Christopher Rufo, Michael Doughty, Jr. (Devon), Mark Doughty (Catherine), James Costello, IV, Joan Costello, Kara Soussi (Ramsey), Michael Rufo, and Ashley Fitzgerald (John). Also survived by 14 grandnieces and grandnephews.

Family and friends are invited to Joan’s Viewing 6:00-8:00 PM on Sunday, October 5, 2025 at The Donohue Funeral Home, 366 West Lancaster Ave, Wayne, PA 19087, and 9:00-10:00 AM on Monday, October 6, 2025 at St. Dorothy Church, 4910 Township Line Rd., Drexel Hill, PA 19026, followed by her Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM. Interment Private.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Saint Lucy School for Children with Visual Impairments, 3031 Stamford St, Philadelphia, PA 19136, saintlucyschool.org/donate.