Joan Fick

Joan Elaine (Rossi) Fick, 84, of Reading, entered into heavenly peace with the Lord on September 23, 2025.

She was the wife of the late Denis Fick.

Joan is survived by her two children, Jeremy Tobias of Cumru Township and Abby (Tobias) Fick, wife of Tim, of Wernersville, as well as her daughter-in-law, Kelly (Fick) Pieja, wife of Patrick, of Spring Township, and her grandsons, Alec and Colin Pieja, and Owen Fick.

Joan was born the daughter of Louis and Carmela (DiGuardi) Rossi in Reading, PA where she grew up alongside her sisters Joyce Flannery, Betsy Rossi, Nancy Leininger, wife of Jeffrey, and her brother David Rossi. She is survived by her siblings and two generations of beloved nieces and nephews.

Joan was a proud member of West Reading High School's Class of 1959. She was always ready with a story from those years and spoke fondly of her stellar classmates. She participated in so many activities but particularly loved tennis and basketball. Let us applaud her one more time on being named the 1959 girls' basketball team MVP. Her family will continue to proudly display her trophy.

Joan worked tirelessly putting herself through college, earning a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Kutztown University, Class of 1965. She pursued her passion of teaching young children as a kindergarten teacher in Lancaster County, PA, the Reading School District, and The Flying Hills Preschool. Most recently prior to her retirement in 2003, Joan was the Director of Berks Gymnastics' pre- and early school-age children's program where she married her expertise, creativity, and athleticism to engage a generation of Berks County children. She shared countless stories of her students and the creative lessons she planned. She was always thrilled to be recognized by former students and families over the years.

Joan was a member of West Lawn United Methodist Church. She especially enjoyed attending Christmas Eve services with her grandsons every year.

She loved antiquing in Adamstown, PA, and beyond. She was known for her great style and decorating skills, always finding the perfect treasure to gift her loved ones.

Joan's favorite place was the beach, Cape May, NJ in particular. Nothing lifted her spirits like salt water and sea air. She enjoyed many family vacations at New Jersey shore points, Virginia Beach, and the Outer Banks, NC. She loved walking the beach to collect shells and listening to the ocean. If friends or family were headed to the beach, she always asked them to bring back a shell for her collection.

Joan was the best cook and baker, taking great joy in feeding her family and close friends at gatherings large and small. Elegant dinner parties, birthday meals, holiday dinners, and Three Amigos sleepovers saw many favorite dishes that were requested again and again: rigatoni and meatballs, capellini and chicken cutlets, Spanish green beans, and her perfect macaroni and cheese. But the pies, oh the pies! Apple, peach, and pumpkin custard – nothing will ever compare.

Joan lived for her faith and her family. She added her personal touch to everyone's special occasions, celebrations, and especially holidays. She offered her generous heart time and again. She is simply irreplaceable and is dearly missed.

A memorial service in Joan's memory will be held on Friday, October 10th at West Lawn United Methodist Church, 15 Woodside Avenue, West Lawn PA 19609. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. with a church service to immediately follow. Joan loved flowers, and they are welcome. Or please consider contributing in her memory to the Women's Ministry at WLUMC, address above. Condolences may be expressed at kuhnfuneralhomes.com.