Obituaries

Joan B. Eshleman, 88

December 11, 2020

Joan B. Eshleman passed away on December 11, 2020 at Brethren Village, Lititz, PA while under the care of her loving husband and a team of dedicated hospice caregivers. Born in Lancaster, PA, she was the daughter of Henry Ray and Gertrude E. (Nissley) Breneisen. In addition to her parents, Joan was preceded in death by four siblings and their spouses: Richard R. and wife, Helen Breneisen; Dorothy E. B. and husband, Harry K. Gerlach; Charles E. and wife, Cecilia Breneisen; H. Joseph and wife, Jean Breneisen.

Joan graduated from East Hempfield High School in 1950 and received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Millersville State Teachers College in 1954. Joan taught for 25 years in the Hempfield School District, first as a 2nd grade teacher from 1954 through 1956 and later as a remedial reading specialist. She retired from teaching in 1992 and was a member of The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International. Joan loved children and particularly enjoyed helping so many of her young students learn to read. Until health challenges prevented it, Joan stayed active by golfing, traveling, and spending time with her family and a network of friends. Joan often said that the most important thing in life is family and she treasured the time she was able to spend with her sons, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren.

Joan is survived by her husband of 67 years, Donald R. Eshleman, and two sons: Keith N. and his wife, Elizabeth Eshleman, of Frostburg, MD; Gary L. and his wife, Kiki Eshleman, of Westlake Village, CA; 5 grandchildren; and 7 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Joan’s name be made to Hospice and Community Care’s Endowment Fund at www.hospiceconnect.org/give.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, June 18, 2021 at the Chapel at Brethren Village Retirement Community, 3001 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA. Visitation with Joan’s friends and family will be held from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM immediately preceding the service. Interment in Lincoln Cemetery in Ephrata will be private.

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Condolences to the Family

June 11, 2021

December 14, 2020

Dear Don,
i am so sorry to hear that Joan past I didn’t no Joan as well as Diana was Close because they were about the same age and since I’m Diana sister I think I remember Joan and When we had reunions, but I am so sorry to hear she passed. Are dearest sympathy.
Louise(RINEER) Bair and John Bair
We have been away from Lancaster PA 46 years

December 14, 2020

Donald-so sorry for your loss. A really great lady. See you at the service. Rich Keister

December 25, 2020

Don, Our sympathy to you and your family. I have vivid memories of how much we laughed while golfing together. Joan, was a dear lady! Les and Marian Witmer

December 17, 2020

Dear Donald, Keith, and Gary: I am saddened to hear of Joan’s passing and your loss. She has a place in my heart as a fun-loving, energetic, kind person; one of the nicest people I ever knew.
Be well.
Jay Burch

December 14, 2020

Dear Don, Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. You were a loving caretaker these past few years and her rock and strength thru an amazing 67 years of marriage. Our love and prayers. Bill & Jan Longenecker

December 13, 2020

Don,
Jeannie and I are saddened to hear about the passing of Joan. I really enjoyed her sense of humor.
Barry & Jeannie Free

December 13, 2020

We send our sincere condolences to Donald and the family at this sad time. Joan was a friend, a pinochle partner, and a wonderful human being. She cherished teaching and instilling a love of reading in her many struggling readers. She had a ready laugh and enjoyed life to its fullest. She spoke often of her loving husband, sons, daughters in law, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her family was such a joy to her! She will be missed by many, but we find comfort in knowing that she is home and free of pain. God is holding her in His arms.
Sending Donald and the family prayers for comfort and peace.
Sincerely and with love, Mike and Lois Reed

December 13, 2020

RIP my dear golfing buddy Joan!
Susan Zeigler

December 13, 2020

So sorry to hear this news. We have fond memories of Joan & enjoyed playing golf with her all those years ago. Please accept our deepest condolences.
Joan & Joel Samitt

Visitation: Friday, June 18, 2021; 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM; Chapel at Brethren Village Retirement Community; 3001 Lititz Pike; Lititz, PA
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Services: Friday, June 18, 2021; 11:00 AM; Chapel at Brethren Village Retirement Community; 3001 Lititz Pike; Lititz, PA
Map and Directions: Get Maps and Directions >