Joan B. Strickler

Joan B. Strickler, 93, of Meadville, passed away peacefully, Thursday, December 21, 2017 at Wesbury United Methodist Retirement Community.

Joan was born in Carlisle, on July 29, 1924, a daughter of the late Luther and Martha (Shaffer) Brame.

Joan graduated from Lemoyne High School in 1942. She furthered her education by receiving her Bachelor of Science Degree from Indiana University, Indiana, PA and later her Masters Degree from Penn State University. She came to the Meadville area in 1950, where she met the love of her life, James H. Strickler. They were married in 1951; he preceded her in death on April 28, 2012. Joan taught Home Economics in the Saegertown School District until her retirement in 1982.

She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and of Meadville Women's Club where she had served as president. She had also been a member of Meadville Garden Club and Meadville City Hospital Auxiliary. Never idle, she belonged to a card playing and sewing group of close friends.

She and her husband, Jim, did a bit of traveling before purchasing the property on Norrisville Road that was to become Strickler's Country Gardens. They first began growing roses, then perennials and then garden mums. Strickler's, at the Meadville Market House, was the place to go on Saturdays for plants and planting advise. After many fulfilling years, they sold the property and moved to Blooming Valley (a rather appropriate name). While Jim continued his teaching at Allegheny College, Joan carried on with her social activities. After her husband's passing, Joan remained in the valley with Max and Minnie, her feline companions. In October, 2014, she moved to Hillside Home where she lived in the contentment knowing she didn't need to wonder what to fix for dinner. In 2016 Joan moved to Wesbury where she received very good care. Their kindness was appreciated.

Joan is survived by a sister Nanette Masonheimer of Mechanicsburg, a niece Candy Thurman of N. Bethesda, MD, a great niece Taylor Swift of Madrid, Spain, two nephews Daniel Strickler of Pittsburgh, Tom Strickler of Allison Park, a great nephew Christopher Porter of Greensboro, MD, a sister in law Therma Strickler of Pittsburgh. She is further survived by close friends Babe Shelby of Linesville, Carol Frazier and Doris Harvey, both of Meadville.

In addition to her parents and her husband, James of 60 years, Joan was preceded in death by a niece, Barb Peshkin, two nephews Randy Thurman and Danny Strickler.

Some cats have nine lives, Max and Minnie have exceeded that. They have found good homes. Max lives in Linesville and Minnie in Maryland. They are 17 years old and still purring.

Joan had her flowers with Jim at Strickler's Country Gardens, so in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Crawford County Humane Society, 11012 Kennedy Hill Road or Hospice of Crawford County, 766 Liberty St., both in Meadville, PA 16335.

Family and friends are invited to call on Wednesday, December 27, from 2-4 at STEPHEN P. MIZNER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 404 CHESTNUT ST., MEADVILLE.

Graveside Services will be held on Thursday at 11:00 AM at Bowman Flatwoods Cemetery, Franklin Twp., Uniontown.

Share a memory or condolence at www.miznerfuneralhome.com