Joanne S. Mortimer

1929 - 2015

Mortimer, Joanne S.Joanne Mortimer died in the early morning hours September 12, 2015. Joanne was born July 8, 1929 in Easton, Maryland. After graduating from Dickinson College, and while completing her Ph.D. at the University of Pennsylvania, Joanne moved to Allentown in 1957 to begin her 26-year journey as a professor of European history at Muhlenberg College. At Muhlenberg she met Charles Mortimer, a young chemistry professor, whom she married in 1960. In 1961 she gave birth to her only child, Charles Mortimer, Jr. Joanne set an example as a professional woman at a time when few existed. She received recognition as an historian and as one of Muhlenberg's first female professors. Over the years she and Charles shared their love of education, and each other, by teaching the History of Science together. After she left Muhlenberg Joanne worked for a period of years as historical archivist at the Lehigh Valley Hospital. She also volunteered teaching reading in an adult literacy program. Joanne herself was a voracious reader. You could always expect to find a pile of books near a chair in her home. When they weren't enticing their grandchildren away from Colorado to spend summers on the Jersey Shore, Joanne and Charles thoroughly enjoyed traveling. Even after her husband's death in 2001, Joanne continued to travel the world until her health made it impossible. Joanne was always accompanied by a dog while she was at home. Joanne's love of her pets grew, while the size of the dogs shrank. Each faithful companion held a special place in her heart. In the 1980s Joanne discovered a new favorite pastime: playing bridge. Over the ensuing years Joanne made countless, lasting friendships with fellow enthusiasts. Joanne loved history, but she loved teaching and discussing world issues, and conversing with young people, most. As her grandchildren can attest, she became most animated when the topic turned to education. On more than one occasion she was heard to sternly advise: "An education is the one investment that can't be taken from you." Survivors: Joanne is survived by her son, Charles Edgar Mortimer, Jr., and daughter-in-law, Phoebe Jeanne Morse, of Pine, CO, and grandchildren, Zachary Taylor Long of Pittsburgh, PA, Abigail Anne Mortimer of Santa Barbara, CA, and Morgan Charles Mortimer and Jane Elizabeth Mortimer of Pine, CO. Services: A celebration of Joanne's life will be held Thursday, September 24 at 1:30 at her home. Please come and share a memory. Contributions: In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Last Chance Ranch, 9 Beck Rd., Quakertown, PA 18951, or your favorite pet rescue.