Joan Houser Hagenbach
Born January 29, 1928
Joan Houser Hagenbach, age 87, of Hockessin, DE and formerly of New Castle, DE, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 13, 2015 with her sons by her side.
Born in Scranton, PA on January 29, 1928, Joan was a daughter of the late Earl Burnett Houser, Sr. and Dorothy (Wall) Houser. She graduated from Wilson High School in Easton, PA in 1945 and in 1947, married her high school sweetheart, Robert L. Hagenbach. The couple moved to the New Castle area in 1949 where Joan would reside until moving to Hockessin 22 years ago. She was a lifelong and talented homemaker who devoted her life to caring for family.
She was an original member of Asbury United Methodist Church in New Castle and a 20 year member of Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church in Wilmington. She was also an active member of the Wilmington chapter of Kiwanis Ki-Wives where she served as past president. An avid card player, Joan was a founding member of the St. Georges 500 Card Club for over 50 years and also a member of her family and friends Pinochle Card Club. A gifted seamstress, Joan enjoyed making her own clothes. In her leisure time, she greatly enjoyed spending time with her family and vacationing for many years in Old Forge, NY. She will be remembered as a sweet, loving and beautiful person who had a gentle soul and never spoke a negative word about anyone. Joan will be dearly missed by her family and many friends.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Jane Dilts, former husband, Robert L. Hagenbach and her longtime companion, Chuck Dunfee. Joan is survived by her sons, Robert C. Hagenbach of Hockessin and his companion, Ann Brown and Lee W. Hagenbach and wife Jacklyn of Hockessin; grandchildren, T. Hunter Hagenbach and Haley K. Hagenbach; brother, Earl B. Houser, Jr. and wife Joann of Easton, PA; sister-in-law, Elizabeth Barton of Easton, PA; in addition to many nieces and nephews.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 6 pm until 8 pm on Thursday evening, February 19, 2015 at the Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 N. DuPont Parkway, New Castle. A second visitation will be held from 10:45 am until 11:45 am on Friday morning, February 20, 2015 at the Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church, 500 McKennan’s Church Road, Wilmington, DE 19808, where a funeral service will follow at 12 Noon. Entombement will be held in Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 N. DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church, at the address listed above or to the American Lung Association of Delaware, 630 Churchmans Road, Ste. 202, Newark, DE 19702.
Doug and Kathi Engler
Dear Pattie and family,
So sorry for your loss. Although we did not have the pleasure of meeting your Aunt Joan she still has touched our life. May your memories of her live happily and fondly in your heart.
Love and Prayers Always,
Douglas and Kathi Engler and children
Bernie & Deb August
Dear Family –
We are wishing you peace and the joy that comes with wonderful memories of your beautiful mother, grandmother. Interesting to see that she was an original member of Asbury Methodist Church, where we were married in 1980. Her legacy lives on with all of you.
In sympathy and friendship,
Bernie and Deb August
Richard Farmer
To the Hagenbach family, we extend our deepest sympathies. Joan was an incredible person whom everyone loved and cared about. We wish we could be there with you. We will be thinking of you.
Diane and Steve Rafferty
Dear Lee and Bob,
Our sympathy goes out to you and your family. “Aunt Joan” is who I think of when I hear the word grace because she had a way of calmly listening and knowing when to offer advice and when to let things go. It took me years before I realized we weren’t related. I had hoped to see her again.
Elaine Treher Greek
Joan was a neighbor of our family when her family lived in Wilson Boro, Easton, PA. We called her Joanne. She and I played in the flute section of our Wilson High School marching band and in the orchestra. She and Bob were one of the “Beautiful” couples in school. I have often wondered where she was. I am glad that Joanne had a full and happy life. My sympathies to Joanne’s family and to her brother Earl.
Michael and Lisa Cassidy
Lee Jackie Hunter and Haley
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this most difficult and sad time. God Bless Love, Lisa and Michael Cassidy and Family
Mary
To the Hagenbach Family – we are extending our deepest sympathies, and know that you will find comfort in your wonderful memories of Joan.
Brad Jeffers, Mary and Ed Norris