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Joan M. Satterthwaite, 92, of Philadelphia, talented tailor and seamstress, longtime office administrator for the Mayor\u2019s Commission on Aging, volunteer, and community caretaker, died Tuesday, Aug. 4, of sepsis at Jefferson Washington Township Hospital in Gloucester County<\/a>.<\/p>\n Adept at designing, constructing, fitting, and altering garments of all kinds, Ms. Satterthwaite worked at the Botany 500 factory at Broad Street and Lehigh Avenue, and for other clothing manufacturers in Philadelphia, for more than 20 years. She could do every job on the intricate clothing assembly line, her son Kevin said, and she did them fast and well.<\/p>\n She joined the International Ladies\u2019 Garment Workers\u2019 Union in the 1950s and supplemented her weekday work by producing gowns, dresses, suits, and other clothing for family, friends, church choirs, wedding parties, and local businesses. <\/p>\n She made Halloween costumes for her two sons when they were young and tailored suits when they were older. She designed a wedding dress for her daughter-in-law.<\/p>\n She could duplicate many patterns by looking at them just once. Over the years, she collected eight sewing machines \u201cHer craftsmanship and attention to detail earned her the admiration and loyalty of countless clients,\u201d her family said in a tribute. <\/p>\n Her son Kevin said: \u201cWe would call her an entrepreneur today.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00bb READ MORE: Why did best-selling author Carol Saline email The Inquirer\u2019s obit writer?<\/a><\/p>\n In the mid-1970s, Ms. Satterthwaite left garments and became certified in office administration and computer technology at the old Philadelphia School of Office Technologies. For a decade, she worked for the Joseph Shein Law Firm. <\/p>\n She tried to retire in the mid-1990s. But she impressed officials at the Mayor\u2019s Commission on Aging so much as a client that they recruited her as a receptionist and administrative assistant. She left that job in 2018, at 85.<\/p>\n After that, she volunteered with veterans groups, was active in the community, and opened her home to anyone in need. \u201cIf someone asked for help,\u201d her son Kevin said, \u201cshe was there.\u201d<\/p>\n Her family said: \u201cJoan\u2019s life was a testament to perseverance, faith, compassion, and determination. Her kindness, generosity, and genuine concern for others became hallmarks of a life well lived.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00bb READ MORE: Survivors give advice about mourning their loved ones, as told to The Inquirer\u2019s obit writer<\/a><\/p>\n A friend said online<\/a>: \u201cMs. Joan was the nicest person ever. \u2026 Her kind spirit reminded me of my grandmother.\u201d<\/p>\n Joan Marie Watts<\/a> was born Dec. 28, 1933, in North Philadelphia<\/a>. Her mother died when she was 2, and she was reared by her grandfather and his wife. <\/p>\n She studied tailoring and sewing at William Penn High School and graduated in 1952. She married Charles Satterthwaite in 1953, and they had sons, Kevin and Eric. Her husband died earlier.<\/p>\n Ms. Satterthwaite was a member of Triumph Baptist Church for more than 35 years, and she went to breakfast with others often after Sunday service. She had breakfast with her sons on Saturdays, bowled every week for 30 years, hosted memorable family gatherings on holidays, and poured over puzzle books when she was older to stay sharp. <\/p>\n \u00bb READ MORE: When parents die, even the mundane memories comfort their children. Here are their tales, as told to The Inquirer\u2019s obit writer.<\/a><\/p>\n Her family noted her \u201cwarm heart, generous spirit, and love of people\u201d in a tribute and said: \u201cHer kindness, patience, and genuine concern for others left a lasting impression on all who knew her.\u201d <\/p>\n She doted on her family and told them often that education was a key to success. She lived in Nicetown<\/a> and Logan, and most recently in Washington Township. <\/p>\n Her son Eric praised her \u201cunwavering belief that nothing in life was more important than family.\u201d Her son Kevin said: \u201cShe was welcoming and warm. She liked being around people. Her life force kept her going.\u201d<\/p>\n In addition to her sons, Ms. Satterthwaite is survived by four grandchildren, two sisters, a brother, and other relatives. Two brothers died earlier.<\/p>\n Services were held earlier<\/a>. <\/p>\n Donations in her name may be made to Triumph Baptist Church<\/a>, 1648 W. Hunting Park<\/a> Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. 19140. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Listen to article \u2022\u00a00:00 min Joan M. 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