Joan A Harwell

Joan A Harwell, of Mather, PA, passed away peacefully on August 7, 2012. In the presence of family and friends, she shared the experience of love, unity, forgiveness; laughter and peace, in her last days. The image of these moments, of the beauty of family, will be a treasure in each of our hearts forever. Her children, Karen Harwell, Nancy Harwell, and Bernard Harwell; grandchildren, Heidi Stragapete, David Harwell and Julian Stragapete; great grandchildren, Anthony, Andrew, Luna and Kira; big brother Jack Pyne and his family, and dear friend Nancy McClarren, will miss her so much, until we’re together again someday. She wanted everyone to know that she was not afraid to walk through the door to eternity. She didn’t want to leave her loved ones, but she knew that Jesus, her Lord and Saviour, was waiting for her. She will be remembered for her incredible will and determination to face all of life’s challenges, her sacrifices made to support and care for her family, including many foster children she chose to care for in the second half of her life. Joan loved animals, especially her dog, Misty and Heidi’s dog, Sunny. She will be remembered for her passion, in all it’s forms, never holding back the expression of what she felt in the moment, good or bad; her loving heart, her cozy and inviting home, and delicious home cooking. She will also always be remembered by her unshakeable sense of humor that touched everyone who knew her. Laughter was her medicine that not only healed her own heart, but also what she left behind for us to heal ours.  Joan would want to be remembered as helping put joy in others hearts. She always said to celebrate her life, laugh, and remember the good times. We will forever remember those good times. Blessed are those who get to see her smile.

 

Joan was a long time volunteer for Servant Song Ministries, where she was able to serve God and through Him help others by teaching and learning.  A Celebration of Joan’s life will be held at Servant Song Ministries, 720 East Greene St., Waynesburg, PA 15370, 724-852-2133, on Thursday, August 30, 2012 at  6:30 PM, offciated by Rev. Peter Ostrander.

 

Memorial contributions may be made in Joan Harwell’s name to the Humane Society of Greene County, 183 Jefferson Rd., Waynesburg, PA 15370, or Joyce Meyer Ministries, Hand of Hope, P.O. Box 655, Fenton, MO 63026. Arrangements entrusted to Cremation & Funeral Care by Danielle Andy Belusko,3287 Washington Rd., McMurray, PA 15317, 724-260-5546. Please view and sign the family’s online guestbook at: www.cremationfuneralcare.com