Joyce F Hangen

With great sadness we share that Joyce Dolores (Focht) Hangen, 95, formerly of Reading, Whitfield, and Phoebe Berks, passed away on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at Columbia Cottage in Wyomissing. She was the wife of the late James A. Hangen, II, who died August 25, 2012.

Born on January 16,1931 in West Reading, PA, she was the daughter of the late Ralph and Florence (Snyder) Focht and predeceased by brother Jack Focht and sister Fern Spangler. A graduate of Reading High School Class of 1949, Joyce was a member of the marimba section and chorus. Post-graduation, Joyce was employed by Bell Telephone.

Joyce joined the church choir of St. Paul’s UCC on N. Sixth St., Reading, where she met her future husband, Jim. They married on January 27, 1951. Their family quickly grew while members of St. Paul’s. They were active in many groups, including the Sunday School, the Welsh vocal celebration called Gymanfa Ganu, and Advent Lighting of the Candles. Later the family became members of Immanuel UCC, Shillington, where Joyce and Jim once again sang in the choir, making a new “family” of friends. Joyce also participated in other activities at Immanuel, memorably as the “snack lady” for Bible School, and with a Koinos (the “K”) group.

She served as secretary of the Wilson Band-Aides, organizing the Pep Rally Carnival and traveling to countless competitions and concerts near and far. She was a member of the Whitfield Women’s Club and was a member of the Reading Hospital Auxiliary, working many years at the jewelry or white elephant stands at the annual Garden Party. Joyce, a volunteer for Meals on Wheels, was honored for 30 years of service. She supported Jim’s local chapter of the Patriotic Order Sons of America during their conventions and dinner celebrations, and both she and Jim happily supported the Reading Pops Orchestra.

But her lifetime job was as a mom and supporter of all activities. She sewed clothing for her children, then did alterations for friends and acquaintances. Favorite events for all were family hiking trips to the Pinnacle, boulder jumping at St. Peter’s Village, backyard picnics, and summers at Green Valley Country Club, with swimming, diving off the boards, and walking laps while conversing with friends. In the winter, she enjoyed ice skating and sledding with family. She loved each furry friend that graced her family’s lives. She took trips abroad, and especially cherished traveling to see family. She was always up for an adventure. She took a motorcycle ride with Jay on her 71st birthday, and she went ziplining at age 86!

She will be remembered for her quick wit, love of games, engaging in conversation, caring for all people, being supportive, and having instilled in us the desire to be productive members of society in our own special ways.

Known as Mom, Gramom, or Great Grammer, Joyce is survived by her six children, Janine Stoyko (Steve Stoyko) Winter Haven, FL, James A. Hangen, III, Cerritos, CA, Joyce Keffer (Bob Keffer) Sinking Spring, PA, JoAnne Hangen (Kevin Varano) Lancaster, PA, Julie Beth Drey (Steve Branham) Sinking Spring, PA, Dr. Jill Hangen (David Campbell) Seattle, WA; six grandchildren, Tabitha Meredith (Josh Meredith) Wernersville, PA, Jeremy Drey (Teresa Van Wagner) Wyomissing, PA, Abbigail Drey (Brent Miller) State College, PA, Carmella and Simona Casabella, Los Angeles, CA, Parker Campbell, Seattle, WA; five great-grandchildren, Owen and Liam Meredith, Mara, Jonah, and Esme Drey; and family friend Jack Day.

A celebration of life will be held on Monday, April 6, at 11:30 a.m. in the Phoebe Berks Chapel, 1 Reading Dr, Wernersville, PA, officiated by Rev. Meg Huesgen of Immanuel, UCC. In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to Meals on Wheels or Reading Pops Orchestra.