Joan I. Reifer

JOAN I. REIFER

Joan I. Reifer, age 77, 129 Apple Ave., Bloomsburg, died at 4:52 p. m. Thursday, August 20, 2009 at the Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, where she was a patient since Sunday.

Born in Olean, New York on December 22, 1931, she was a daughter of the late Carl E. and Irene (Heller) Johnson. Following the death of her mother, she was raised by an aunt, Amanda Irene Johnson. She resided in Bloomsburg since 1973 and previously resided in Sparta, New Jersey, Clearfield and Ridgway.

Joan was a 1949 graduate of Ridgway High School and earned a B. S. degree in home economics from Indiana State Teachers College (now Indiana University of PA) in 1953. She taught home economics in schools in Clearfield and East Orange, New Jersey for 14 years. After moving to Bloomsburg, she was co-owner of the former Frosty Mug in Hemlock Township for a number of years.

She was a member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Bloomsburg, where she served on the altar guild and assisted with funeral dinners. She also was formerly involved with the Lutheran Church Women. A life member of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary in Ridgway, she also was a former Den Mother for the Cub Scouts, and was a member of the Concerned Citizens of Hemlock Township.

Joan enjoyed playing pinochle and was a member of three card clubs. She was an excellant cook, a loving mother and friend who loved animals, especially Shelties.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James T. Reifer on Sept. 17, 2005 and by a cousin who was raised like her sister, Lois Field.

Surviving are a son, Jonathan J., and his wife Rox-Ann, Bloomsburg; two daughters: Marian A. Reifer, McLean, VA and Rebecca A., wife of Duane R. Mausteller, Elysburg; five grandchildren: Tatum Knorr, Alexandra Reifer, Joshua Reifer, Jacob Reifer and Jacqueline Reifer; a sister, Dolores Roth, Ridgway; a cousin who was raised like a sister, Phyllis Olay, Ridgway; and a niece: Wendy, wife of Ronnie Gardner, Ridgway.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 11 a. m. in St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 123 N. Market St., Bloomsburg, with her pastor, Rev. Joel L. Zeiders officiating. Interment in Elan Memorl Park, Lime Ridge.

Friens may call on Monday from 6-8 p. m. at the Dean W. Kriner, Inc., Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 325 Market St., Bloomsburg. There will be no viewing at the Church.

The family will provide flowers. Memorials may be sent to St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 123 N. Market St., Bloomsburg, PA 17815.