Joanne Szewczyk

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Joanne M. Szewczyk, 73, of Brecknock Twp. She passed suddenly on Wednesday June 24, 2020 at Ephrata Hospital. She was the daughter of the late Dymtro "Nicolas" Kowalchuk and Josephine (Sajda) Kowalchuk and stepdaughter of the late Callistus Kelly.

Joanne is survived by her loving husband, Robert J. Szewczyk. She is also survived by her daughter Joanne Moritz, wife of Marc Moritz of Whitehouse Station NJ and her son Nicholas V. Szewczyk, husband of Joanne (Bologna) of Throop PA. She is also survived by her five grandchildren; Olivia, Noah, Xander, Xavier and Xachary and two siblings; Patricia Maruzzi and Nicholas Kowalchuk. Joanne was preceded in death by her sisters; Evelyn, Dorothy, Janice and Barbara.

After graduating from John W. Hallahan Girls Catholic High School in Philadelphia, Joanne and Robert married. Joanne stayed home to raise their family. She would also lovingly welcome several foster children into her home. When her children were grown, Joanne went on to work as a teacher's aide at Frankford High School in Philadelphia. She then moved to Brecknock Twp and was employed as a para-educator at Garden Spot High School. She enjoyed working there and creating fun projects and crafts to do with her class. She enjoyed witnessing first hand, her classes milestones that truly made her work feel special.

The greatest joy in Joanne's life and arguably the most important achievement in life was her family. She was the first to arrive at any family function and the last to leave with a big hug and a kiss on the way in and out, always looking forward to the next gathering. She loved her family fiercely and was an inspiration to her grandchildren.

Joanne was an avid quilter, making many beautiful items including those used as donations for kidney dialysis patients. Joanne was a member of the Mount Laurel quilt guild and also met weekly with her "sit and sew" group. She was also a member of the women's group of Saint Benedict Church. Her faith was very important to her.

Joanne spent many summers at her beloved cabin in the Pocono Mountains. She enjoyed time there with family and friends walking, playing card games, blueberry picking and many full days at the lake. It was her special place, and she thoroughly enjoyed it. She also enjoyed trips to the beach. She loved ocean and would spend a lot of time in the water with her children and grandchildren with a big smile on her face. She was fearless in the waves.

She truly was a special woman and leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter and kindness that will forever be remembered by all who had the blessing of knowing her.

A mass of Christian Burial was held at The Church of Saint Benedict 2020 Chestnut Hill Road, Mohnton on Tuesday June 30, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. Interment followed in Bowmansville Union Cemetery. Bean Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Inc., 129 East Lancaster Avenue Shillington was in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Joanne’s memory to: The Church of Saint Benedict 2020 Chestnut Hill Road, Mohnton Pa 19540. Online condolences can be made at: beanfuneralhomes.com