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Joan Dix Obituary
Born in Saint Clair, Sept. 10, 1934, she was a daughter of the late David and Helen Krebs Reese.
Joan was a long-standing member of St. James Episcopal Church, Schuylkill Haven, serving on its vestry. She was a member of the Business and Professional Women's Club and a member of the Board of the Portland Oregon Symphony.
Joan was a graduate of Saint Clair High School, Class of 1952, and the Pennsylvania State University, Class of 1956, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in education. She graduated with honors and high distinction as the recipient of the Evan Pugh Award of academic excellence. She was a member of several education honor societies.
Joan began her career in education as a third-grade teacher in the Pottstown School District, where she taught for two years. She married in 1958 and returned to Schuylkill County employed as a third-grade teacher in the Schuylkill Haven School District.
In 1961, the transfer of her husband by Alcoa led to her leaving the teaching profession for several years; moving to Whittier, Calif., Geelong, Australia, and Vancouver, Wash., before returning to Pennsylvania in 1973.
She was again employed by the Schuylkill Haven Area School District, where she taught kindergarten until her retirement in 1999.
Joan was proud of her profession and even prouder of her young students. They were her life and love, which she chronicled with many stories of their exploits.
Peanut M&Ms, a "rollie over everybody," holding hands with her husband, Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue," kindness, "twirly whirly birds," chocolate marshmallow ice cream, "Jeopardy," entertaining friends, a good book, dancing in the living room, the laughter of children ... these were a few of her favorite things.
Joan is survived by her husband of 59 years, James, Pine Grove; a sister, Virginia Reese, Saint Clair; a daughter, Hilary Hayes and her son, Nathan, both of Harrisburg; a daughter, Adrienne Shriener and her husband, James, and their son, Robert, all of Landisville.
A visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service Saturday at Ebling-Stabingas Funeral Home, Cressona. A Celebration of Life funeral service will follow at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home. Private entombment will be held at the family's convenience in Schuylkill Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to St. James Episcopal Church, Dock Street and Paxson Avenue, Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972. To extend online condolences, visit www.gsesfuneralhomes.com.
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Sandi Kalnoski
October 14, 2017
So sorry for your loss! The girls and I loved your mom! She was such a joy and blessing! Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers!! Love you!
October 12, 2017
My condolences to all. Joan was a caring,witty and all around wonderful person! May she rest in peace.
Arlene Quesada
John Bolton
October 10, 2017
Jim and family, sorry for your lose. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Kaytee Rhody
October 9, 2017
Mrs. Dix was my kindergarten teacher. She honestly made me love school even more than I already did. From the circle time, to listening to music, to her smelly ring stamps we got when we had a good day. She would always put a smile on anyone's face. It was amazing to know that Mrs. Dix was my mother's kindergarten teacher as well as mine. She was an amazing woman and I could only hope she is proud of the person she helped to mold me into! My thoughts and prayers are with her family at this time!
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Alyssa Oakill Meusel
October 8, 2017
Adrienne and Hilary, I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. She was a beautiful lady inside and out. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Arlene Mengel
October 7, 2017
She was a beautiful person inside and out. She had a great sense of humor but above all, loved teaching. It was a pleasure and joy to work with Mrs. Dix. I feel blessed to have worked with her.
Liz and Chris Hughes
October 7, 2017
Although I did not know Mrs. Dix personally, the stories that were told about her from fellow teachers at Schuylkill Haven made me wish I had known her. She was my husband's kindergarten teacher and he remembers her fondly. My thoughts and prayers are with Mrs. Dix's family during this very difficult time.
Judi Shoup
October 7, 2017
I want to send my condolences to you and your family. Although I didn't know Joan personally my Granddaughter Dominique spoke highly of you both. She would tell me how nice she was to her when you both would come in to eat and how happy she was to show her when she had her nails done. Prayers to you and the family at this sad time.
Judith Shoup
October 7, 2017
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998
Doris Berger
October 7, 2017
Jim, Hillary, Adrian and families. So sad to hear of Joan's passing. What a good person. Sounds too like she was a joy to your family. Paul and Doris Berger
Fiona Jacoby
October 7, 2017
Dear Family,
She was such a joy to work with & her sunshine was freely given to all. Great memories of good times & fun stories. I will continue keeping all of you in my thoughts & prayers
Joanne Uckert
October 7, 2017
Sorry Jim You both suffered for a long time
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