The daughter of the late Crosby N. Hartzell and Rhoda G. (Thompson) Hartzell, she was born December 15, 1932, in Gettysburg, PA.
After her 1951 graduation from Gettysburg High School, Joan studied nursing at Bryn Mawr Hospital. Upon finishing her degree in 1954 she and a friend traveled cross country to Hollywood. In Los Angeles she worked at Cedar Sinai Hospital where she treated many celebrity patients, including Elvis Presley and Dean Martin. Upon her return to her beloved hometown of Gettysburg she often regaled friends and loved ones with tales of her California experiences, especially attending the Academy Awards.
Upon returning to Gettysburg, Joan served as a nurse at Michael Manor. Following her retirement from the medical field she enjoyed working in the bookstore at Eisenhower National Historic Site and Gettysburg National Military Park. There she often shared treasured stories of her family’s roles in the Battle of Gettysburg and Adams County History.
Joan was a woman of refined tastes and firmly held opinions. She loved reading, history, the arts and researching her family. Her travels spanned several continents and she encouraged younger family to follow this passion.
In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her brother, Jay Hartzell, her sisters, Ruth Ellen Crist and Rhonda Hartzell, Sister- in -Laws, Sue Hartzell and Nancy Rummel Hartzell, and Brother-in-Laws Richard Cardina and Guy Crist.
She is survived by her brothers, Crosby L. âBingâ Hartzell and David Hartzell, Sister-In-Law Sylvia Hartzell, her sister, Jean Cardina and many loving nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 7, 2024, 11 A.M. at St. James Lutheran Church in Gettysburg, PA. which will be preceded by a 10:00 A.M. viewing at the church where the family will receive friends. Interment will immediately follow the service at Evergreen Cemetery in Gettysburg.
Online tributes and condolences can be made at monahanfuneralhome.com.
This obituary was originally published here.