Photo courtesy of Ruggiero Funeral Home, LLC - Pen Argyl
Pen Argyl, Pennsylvania
Sep 30, 1930 – Apr 20, 2023
Joyce Heyer Trach Kercsmar, 92, of Pen Argyl, PA passed away after a brief illness on April 20, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. Joyce was born in East Lawn - Nazareth, PA to the late Willard and Mildred (Heyer) Trach. She was an inspirational woman loved by all, a devoted wife, an amazing mother and a 'one in a million' Mom-Mom to her five grandchildren.
Joyce was predeceased by her husband of 61 years, John Kercsmar.
She graduated from Nazareth High School in 1948, and went on to graduate from St. Luke's Hospital School of Nursing in 1954, where she and John met. She spent most of her nursing career as Director of Nursing at Gracedale until her retirement. She was a member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Pen Argyl.
Joyce is survived by daughters Jayne Kercsmar Jahn of Pen Argyl, Julie Drago and husband Thomas of Bushkill Township, Jill Benson and husband Eric of East Bangor and son John C. Kercsmar and wife Lisa of Merritt Island, FL; grandchildren Cara and Adam Drago, GySgt Ryan Jahn, USMC and wife Jodi, Trach and Hannah Kercsmar.
Joyce will be deeply missed by her children and grandchildren, sister Marjorie Everett, brother Frank Trach and wife Carol, brother-in-law Roger Wagner, many loving nieces and nephews, faithful friend Tricia Dinunzi, neighbors and friends.
Respecting Joyce’s wish, her funeral service and burial at Fairview Cemetery, Moorestown will be private. The Ruggiero Funeral Home, LLC, Pen Argyl is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences may be offered at www.ruggierofuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be offered to the American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.
Read MoreMrs. Kercsmar, what very compassion, kind and very caring person. She was my DON at Gracedale and a very fair and kind person to all of her employees. I had such respect for her. Send prayers to her family at this difficult time
Kim Smith-Stavrou
May 03, 2023 | Roseto, PA | Coworker
Jane, Jill, Julie and John, my deep sympathy go out to all of you at this difficult time. Your mother was such an inspiration on all of us here at Morningstar Living, it shows in all of her family, I and all of us will miss her dearly, Charles Hildenbrandt PAHS '81
Charles Hildenbrandt
April 28, 2023 | Friend
To the family of Joyce Kercsmar, I am very so for your loss. I personally did not know your Mother, but my Grandmother Grace Mazzie was a nurses aide at Gracedale for years and worked with her. She spoke very highly of your Mother and always said what a wonderful and kind person she was. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
Yvette Mazzie-Barker
April 25, 2023 | Other
Mrs. Kercsmar was a wonderful nursing supervisor at Gracedale. My mom was a nurse on NE1 for years and had a lot of respect for her as did my sisters and I as nurses aides.
Helen Hunsberger
April 24, 2023
I had the pleasure of knowing Joyce for the last few years at moravian. She was a lovely soul and always kind. I always looked forward to seeing her and talking with her. she is deeply missed by us here already.
Jenna Simpson
April 24, 2023 | Friend
Julie and Tom, I am so sorry for your loss. I can only hope that my son in law will speak as highly as Tom praised his Mother in law. She left a remarkable legacy, in her family. It is obvious that her love for family and others, now carries on through those that loved her. Truly a beautiful soul.
Jean Lembach
April 24, 2023 | Other
I met Mrs Kercsmar the first day I started at Gracedale in 1972, she always showed such understanding and compassion for us newbies entering the world of caring for our seniors, the world she shined in. I remained working at Gracedale for 17 years and she was nothing but kind to me and available if I had a question or situation I needed help with.
I had the pleasure of meeting and working with her daughters that worked there too. I am so sorry for your family’s loss of this...
Nancy Schneck Stover
April 24, 2023 | Easton, PA | Coworker
My heartfelt sympathy to all of you as you mourn. While I did not personally know Mrs Kercsmar, my own late Mother knew her & worked with her at Gracedale. I recall many times I heard my mom speak so highly of Mrs Kercsmar. It's been many years but reading her name brought back instant memories. Wishing you comfort and peace.
Donna Riley Garrett
April 23, 2023 | Other
Julie and family, so sorry to read of your mom's passing. She was such a caring, lovely woman. Her presence on Schank Ave. was truly a blessing for all who were her neighbors. Sending heartfelt thoughts and prayers to your family.
Bonney (Manasseri) Harris
April 23, 2023 | Friend
