Joan E. Heffner

Joan E. (TenEyck) Heffner, 75, of Kutztown, died peacefully with her daughter by her side, Wednesday, September 10, 2025, in Lehigh Valley Hospital, In-Patient Hospice Unit, Allentown, following an 18 year battle with breast cancer that she faced with a positive attitude and tenacity, never deterred by setbacks, ever-hopeful in her fight to conquer and prevail. She faced adversity with poise, strength and grace, never complaining or bitter, just simply accepting the cards she was delt in life.

Joan was a daughter of the late Paul R. and Olympia M. (Raffaele) TenEyck.

Joan was a 1968 graduate of Sault Sainte Marie High School located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan; a waterfront town situated along the Michigan-Canadian border near the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River. On July 10, 1971, she married Jay B. Heffner, of Kutztown; they divorced in June 2005. Joan was a former member of Saint Paul's United Church of Christ Church, Kutztown.

She was employed as a preparatory cook in the South Dining Hall at Kutztown University for many years and then transitioned to their laundry department in the 1990s. In 2004, Joan then became a custodian working for the State of Pennsylvania at the Student Union Building on the Kutztown University campus, where she then retired from in July 2012.

Joan enjoyed spending time outdoors, especially gardening in her backyard. Her favorite flowers were black-eyed susans and tulips. She loved the winter season and didn't mind being outside in the cold weather. She was an avid reader, a Green Bay Packers fan, fond of card games like Hausey, Canasta or Hearts and enjoyed oldies and country music, her favorite artists being Elvis Presley and Rascal Flatts. Above all, Joan cherished her family, especially her grandsons. She was their #1 supporter and loved watching them at all their activities and sporting events, especially their soccer games.

Joan is survived by her daughter, Melissa L. (Heffner), wife of Robert A. Losito, Kutztown; two grandsons, Kayde R. and Dayne R. Losito; and a sister Judith A. (TenEyck), wife of Ross C. Vert, Sault Sainte Marie, MI. In addition to her parents, Joan was predeceased by two sisters, Barbara K. (TenEyck) Sweet, and Paula J. TenEyck; as well as a brother, David P. TenEyck.

A Memorial Service to honor and celebrate Joan's life will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. in Ludwick Funeral Homes and Cremation Care, Inc., 333 Greenwich Street, Kutztown, with Pastor Nate Herrlin, officiating. Relatives and friends are invited to a visitation from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in the funeral home. Inurnment will follow in Hope Cemetery, Dryville.

Ludwick Funeral Homes and Cremation Care, Inc., Kutztown, is in charge of arrangements. Memories and condolences may be shared by visiting Joan's obituary page at www.Ludwickfh.com