Obituaries

Joan L. Bastendorf, 87

January 25, 2022

Joan L. (Gilbert) Bastendorf, 87, of Lancaster, entered into rest at home on Tuesday, January 25, 2022 surrounded by her loving family.

Born on August 27, 1934 in Carlisle, Joan was the daughter of the late Paul R. Gilbert and Marian L. (Pittenger) Gilbert Miller. She was also preceded in death by her loving husband of 53 years Dale J. Bastendorf; her step-father, Amos Miller; her sister, Judith Slicer; her brother, Jack Gilbert; and her granddaughter, Danylle Stewart.

Joan graduated from McCaskey High School in 1952 and went on to work for Hamilton Watch Company for 10 years. She then worked as a Legal Secretary for Clarence Newcomer, including one year in Philadelphia when he served as a Federal Judge. She then went on to become the first female Police Officer in Lancaster County, having served on the Lancaster Police Force from 1972 until her retirement in 1996. She was instrumental in starting the Drug Task Force in Lancaster and would work on it throughout her retirement.

In her retirement, Joan was a member of the Gray Mares club- a group of McCaskey High School graduates that got together on occasion, as well as the Crafty Crew who would create many creative pieces. She also volunteered her time with Milagro House. Most important to Joan was her family. She loved spending time with her loved ones and will be very much missed by them.

Joan is survived by her daughter, Cynthia Macarevich (wife of Roger); son, Michael Bastendorf (husband of Carol); granddaughter, Olivia Fraunfelter (wife of Jeremy); grandson, Dustin Bennett; granddaughter Lauren Newswanger (wife of Jeffrey); sisters, Janice Wiley, Jill Harsh, Dyan Eisenberger; brother, Randall Miller; great-grandchildren Zachory, Livia, Ryan, Taylor, Natalie, Jordyn, and Paxtyn; two great-great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held at Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory at 414 E. King Street, Lancaster, PA 17602 on Saturday, February 5, 2022 at 12:00 PM. Committal will follow at Riverview Burial Park. Friends will be received at the Funeral Home from 10:00 AM-12:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Milagro House at https://www.milagrohouse.org/ or 669 W Chestnut Street, Lancaster, PA 17603; or to Hospice and Community Care at https://www.hospiceandcommunitycare.org/ or 685 Good Drive, Lancaster, PA 17604.

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Condolences to the Family

August 26, 2022

Thinking of Joan’s birthday tomorrow. I would always talk to her on the phone around this time. Thinking of her, missing our conversations, and hoping your family is healing with grace. Much love to you all.

February 08, 2022

Dear Michael and family,
i met Joan, back in 2010,  while doing family history research on my Bastendorf relatives that lived in Lancaster. I assumed correctly that the few Bastendorf names in the phone book were all related and so I was to them. I originally called up Michael, but Joan being a cop wanted to check me out first. After the 9th degree of questioning I came to town and we met. She was so kind and gracious after she found my ‘stories’ checked out. I showed her the pictures I had of our common relatives and she took me around town to certain addresses I was looking for, that they had lived at.
We sent Christmas cards every year with little updates inside, and I came again to town a few times and she and I met up. I was surprised to find out she and my mom were born the same day, exactly one year apart. Joan was the oldest. I can still hear her voice in my head, to me she always sounded like a young woman.
As much as you and your family will miss her, I will miss a sweet new friendship that covid  interrupted to the extent I couldn’t travel to see her. I am glad to hear her family was with her at the entrance to her new calling. Onto a journey with old friends and family long passed. I know they will treat her well, she deserves that. And in time, we too, shall all meet them again, in a joyous reunion, and a peaceful place. 
May your hearts grieve only briefly for our dear ones are free now. It is we who suffer the pain of not seeing them until our time. I will be thinking of you and your family, sending prayers and healing energy. My wish is to meet you, the ones of my generation, at some point. Don’t worry Joan checked me out! Much love to you all, Carole in Bucks county
 

February 06, 2022

Sending healing prayers and comforting hugs. We loved Joan and will dearly miss her.
With love,  Dyan and Mark

February 06, 2022

Cindy and Mike,
Ken and I extend our heartfelt sympathies to you and your families. I have many memories of Joan when growing up and sincerely hope your happy memories of her will help give you peace in the days ahead.
Lovingly,
Ken and Linda Harnish
 

February 05, 2022

Cindy, Mike and families,
John and I and my mother, June Studer, are sending our heartfelt sympathy on the loss of your mother.
We will always remember Joan as such a joyful presence at family gatherings as well as someone willing
 to extend a helping hand to anyone in need.  May your warm and loving memories help you through this
difficult time.   
Sincerely,       
June, Debbie and John        
 
 

February 04, 2022

My sincere condolences to Joan’s family. I worked many years with Joan at the Lancaster Bureau of Police. She was such a joyful, caring and fun comrade. We will all miss her. She was the right person to make history as Lancaster PD’s premier female officer.

January 31, 2022

Cyndi,
I am so sorry to hear about your sweet Mom. She was such an awesome lady, I always admired her, and the love between you two. I am so thankful that you and I recently reconnected.  I am here for you always. I know your Mom is extremely proud of you, and the woman you have become. Keeping you in my prayers.
With Much Love,
Judy Shultz Daily 

January 31, 2022

Cindy, Mike, and the family of Joan:   We were shocked to hear the news of Aunt Joan.  She is in a better place and is much happier there.   Sorry we can not attend at this time, but we are sending our blessing to all of the families of Aunt Joan.    May God see you all through this time of sadness with love and compassion. 
Love to all Dave, Dennis, Donna, and their extensive families.  The Slicer’s 
 
 

January 30, 2022

Cyndi & family, I am so sorry to see your mom passed away. 🙏🙏 for you all as you go thru the next few weeks. Your wonderful memories will see you thru. Marsha Monteith PARKE

January 30, 2022

Cyndi,    My condolences at the loss of your mother.    I have fond memories of her, and I admired her.    May she rest in peace.    It was great to see you at the reunion.    Take care, Mary Beth Stengel

January 30, 2022

Cindy, Mike and family,
I am so sorry about your Mom. She was a great person and always willing to help anyone who needed it.  She will stay in my heart forever.  
Love to all,
George and Toni (Bastendorf) Bowman

January 29, 2022

I was so saddened and shocked to talk with you on Monday, Jill, to learn of Joan’s sudden illness.  I was priviledged to have graduated McCaskey HS class of 1952 and to be in The Gray Mares for lunches.  Praying for strength for the family. Josie Ellis

Visitation
Saturday, February 05, 2022
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
414 East King Street
Lancaster, PA 17602
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Services
Saturday, February 05, 2022
12:00 PM
Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
414 East King Street
Lancaster, PA 17602
Map and Directions

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