Joan Ellen Dehm

Joan Ellen Van Burek Dehm, aged 80, of Glen Mills, Pennsylvania died peacefully on January 31, 2025, surrounded by family and friends. She was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada on April 9, 1944. Her parents were Mary Jeanette Linehan Van Burek and Robert August Van Burek; she was the second of six children. Joan graduated from Amherst High School in suburban Buffalo, Cazenovia College in Rochester, and the State University of New York in Oswego. She excelled as an elementary school teacher, homemaker, community volunteer, “honorary mother,” and favorite childcare provider of many.

Joan married David Charles Dehm of Oswego, New York, who survives her. They were married for 58 remarkable years and raised three children Jennifer FitzGibbons (Jerome), Michael (Elizabeth), and Molly. Joan adored her six grandchildren Mary, Elizabeth, Jacob, Madeline, Charlotte, and Charlie, who gave her unending pride. She maintained exquisite bonds with her five siblings Mary Ann Cryan, John Van Burek, Carol Ferreri, Martha Van Burek, and Kate Davis, along with many in-laws, nieces, nephews, godchildren, friends, and neighbors whom she considered as “family.”

Joan is well-known for her service to the local community as the (almost perpetual) President of the Thornbury Historical Society for nearly 40 years. Annual “Fright Night” and “Barn Dance” fundraisers were particularly memorable due to her efforts. As the epicenter of fun, she was an exceptional party planner, “foodie,” gardener, flower arranger, grammatist, photo album curator, “visitologist,” historian, prankster, and conversationalist. She thrived on bringing people of all sorts together, to create new and lasting connections, and considered civic duty and the quest for knowledge and inclusion as sacred obligations. Joan rarely missed an event and was often the last to leave. “Catch-up on sleep the first year you’re dead!” was her mantra.

Joan was famous for her love of games, particularly treasure hunts. Her skill in hiding random items in plain sight was nothing short of diabolical. She was a local legend for her Halloween costumes and scaring the bejesus out of trick-or-treaters. Joan took joy in remembering birthdays, providing sage and abundant counsel, and preparing countless meals for the masses. Her purse was never without a kazoo, to be played loudly and off-key, on demand.

Having survived two significant cancer diagnoses and stem cell transplantation 10 years ago, Joan was particularly grateful for the comprehensive and skilled medical care she received at every stage and level, which allowed her to extend her life with quality and deep appreciation. The outpouring of support and love she received in her final days provided tremendous comfort to Joan and her family. She promised to send heavenly signs to those she loved. The Philadelphia Eagles winning the Super Bowl is divine evidence.

Donations to Thornbury Historical Society (8 Township Drive, Cheyney PA 19319) and Willow Tree Hospice (616 E. Cypress Street, Kennett Square PA 19348) are welcomed by the Dehm Family in Joan’s memory. A “Celebration of Life” is planned for July 5, 2025, at the Thornbury Park Pavillion from 11 am to 2 pm. All are welcome.