Joan Darlene (Knox) Gormley of Naples, Fla., passed away peacefully at her daughters home, with family by her side, on July 28, 2025 She had just celebrated her 94th birthday, being born July 15, 1931, and in Gettysburg, Pa. Predeceased by her father Paul R. Knox ( Lucille) of Gettysburg, Pa. and mother Evelyn Spence Wortz (and Ellie) of Fayetteville, Pa.
At a young age, Joan had met John Gormley of Gettysburg at a dance near Gettysburg College. They remained a couple, married over 72 yrs. Having a very loving marriage of give and take and “Yes Dears'”, nights when the couple had dinner at home would later sit on the couch together holding hands while watching the evening news on TV. This tradition carried on till the time of John’s passing in 2019. Joan and John built and fulfilled many goals and dreams together. John’s job position also gave them many opportunities to travel to several parts of the world. Such eye openers were passed down to their three children.
Joan was always full of energy and one to excel in her interests. She was an accomplished musician, playing the piano for about two hrs. daily. Later in life, Joan and her good friend Betty Reuter played and put on duet concerts for neighbors and friends. Joan, being quite a home entertainer, had the concerts at Joan and John’s Lake Wesauking home. She was quite the painter, also. Some of her artwork collection was placed on consignment with a well-known art museum and gallery in NYC. Joan’s #1 interest was her love of golf. When she was a little girl, her father had special clubs made just for her and he spent many hours with her teaching her how to play and enjoy the game. As an adult, Joan was the Women’s Golf Champion at her local golf course for 10 years.
Joan was a very involved and loving parent. Constantly doing special things for each of her children and one that could always be counted on to be a volunteer in activities/school/church where each child was involved. Her favorite volunteering role was “room mother” and Scout leader.
After the children graduated from high school, Joan attended Mansfield State College and earned a degree in Interior Design and Decorating. Later she was employed by Wolf Furniture. Her most fulfilling job was the task of being the interior designer and decorator for the interior renovation of the First Presbyterian Church, which she was a member.
Joan was known by family and friends as one to be very loving, giving, taking time to do so many special things for others. Fun and with a healthy laugh, enjoyed entertaining family and friends at her homes at Lake Wesauking, Pa., and Naples, Fla. Enjoyed retirement for 32 years with Husband John.
Though some ups and downs along the way. What a wonderful life!
Joan was predeceased by Husband John in 2019, daughter June G. Goodrich of Langhorne, Pa., and son-in-law Alan C. Goodrich of Langhorne, Pa. She is survived by son Paul (Sam) of Luzerne, Pa., daughter Susan Saturday of Amelia Island, Fla, three grandchildren, and brother Tom Knox of Gettysburg. Pa, Sisters Sally(David) Raymond of Eldersburg, MD, Sharon Rost(Steven) of Venice, FL, Beverly(Rick) Mlllheim of Oxford, NY, brother-in-law’s Tom (Missy) Gormley of Biglerville, PA, Fred Gormley of Winfield, PA, several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
There will be a viewing on Monday, August 4, 2025, at Monahan Funeral Home in Gettysburg, PA, from Noon until 1:00 PM, followed by a graveside service at Evergreen Cemetery, Gettysburg, PA. Online obituary and condolences available at monahanfuneralhome.com.