Joyce R. Heintzelman

SELINSGROVE - Joyce R. Heintzelman, 70, of 935 N. Eighth St., died Wednesday night, Nov. 25, 2009, at home in the loving arms of her husband, Paul, to whom she had been married 51 years.
Born April 4, 1939, in Middleburg, she was the only child of the late Steward and Edna Hackenberg. She had lived in Selinsgrove since her marriage to Paul in 1958.
A 1956 graduate of Middleburg High School, Joyce completed Geisinger's Licensed Practical Nursing program and began a 52-year career as an LPN. She first worked at Holly Peace No. 1 nursing home in Selinsgrove. On Nov. 22, 1973, she began what would be 36 years of employment as an LPN on second floor east of Sunbury Community Hospital. She had recently announced her plans to retire on Dec. 31.
Throughout much of her career, Joyce was active in the Licensed Practical Nurses Association of Pennsylvania, serving as president of the Susquehanna Valley chapter and as a state officer for the organization as recently as 1996-1997.
She was known for her exceptional compassion and kindness, both in her professional and in her personal life. At the hospital, her patients were always number one, as attested to by the many, many families who were so pleased by the care she provided their loved ones. At home and with her family, Joyce was even more intent on making others happy, whether through the small gifts she routinely passed out or perhaps a fresh jar of strawberry jelly.
Just four days before her passing, Joyce's entire family had gathered for the annual "birthday dinner," an occasion that brought her great joy.
Among her fondest memories were of trips to Brigantine, N.J., in the 1970s and early 1980s, when dozens of people from the Selinsgrove area would fill the Golden Dolphin motel for a week's vacation.
Joyce had recently acquired a new "friend," Rowdy, a kitten that she quickly spoiled on its visits to grandma's.
She was a member of Christ United Methodist Church, Selinsgrove.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by three sons and two daughters-in-law, Tim and D. Heintzelman of Hummelstown, Andy Heintzelman and Tina Tym of Herndon, and Todd and Jenn Heintzelman of Liverpool; six grandchildren, Brandi, Amy, Heather and Holly Heintzelman, and Dustin and Alyssa Heintzelman; and four great-grandchildren, Madison, Cloe, Aubree and Landon.
A viewing will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday and from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday at V.L. Seebold Funeral Home, 601 N. High St., Selinsgrove. The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at the funeral home with the Rev. Larry Leland, her pastor, officiating.
Burial will be in Glendale Cemetery, Middleburg.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Christ United Methodist Church, Building Fund, 429 N. Eighth St., Selinsgrove, PA 17870.