Joan Marie Doughton, 87

April 07, 2025

Joan Marie (Gigl) Doughton, 87, of Lititz, passed away on April 7, 2025. Born in Lancaster, PA, she was the daughter of the late John L. Gigl, and Helen (Gray) Gigl. She was married to her beloved husband George Daniel “Dan” Doughton for 63 years.

Joan graduated from Lancaster Catholic High School where she was a majorette in the Crusader marching band. After high school, she worked at Armstrong until she and Dan were married in 1961. For many years, Joan was a dedicated stay-at-home mother. Over the years, she also worked several office jobs, as an Avon Lady, and at the key punch business she and Dan operated out of their garage. She was a devout Catholic and a long-time member of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church. An avid golfer, something she clearly inherited from her father John L. Gigl, she was a club member at Four Seasons where she enjoyed playing with her husband and was a member of the Four Seasons Ladies Golf Association. She made lifelong friends in playing with the Ladies Golf Association and was their president in 1995. She volunteered with the Lancaster Project for the Needy for many years, rang the bell for the Salvation Army, and wrapped Christmas presents for the United Disabilities Services at Park City Mall. Joan loved animals, especially the many dogs who were a part of her family over the years. She was an extremely devoted wife, cherished time with her family, especially her grandkids, great grandkids and always had a smile on her face. Her sense of humor and infectious giggle brought joy to everyone she met. Joan enjoyed traveling, especially taking trips with family to the beach. She had a green thumb and cared for and propagated many beautiful plants, including a Christmas cactus whose cuttings are now cherished and tended to by her children and grandchildren. She will be remembered as a loyal friend, fun-loving family matriarch, whose smile and infectious laugh will truly be missed.

Joan is survived by 4 children: Tracy Artus (Bob), Lynn Fasnacht (Tom), Michael Doughton (Pam), and Colleen Ward (Patrick); 8 grandchildren: Heather (Justin), Kyle (Annie), Bob (Erin), Amanda, Zach (Megan), Alex, Allison (Andrew), and Paige (Matt); 6 great-grandchildren: Brigham, Ellis, Scarlett, Noah, Millie, and Daphne, and 1 more on the way. She was predeceased by her husband George D. Doughton and grandson Adam Bricker.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 AM on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 558 W. Walnut St, Lancaster, PA 17603. The family will receive guests on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, from 6-8 PM at Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543. The Rosary will be recited at 7:30 PM. There will be visitation at the church from 10 AM until Mass. Interment will be at St. Joseph New Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions in Joan’s name to Hospice & Community Care, 685 Good Drive, Lancaster, PA 17601, or Wounded Warrior Project.