Joan Evelyn Schlegel

1920 - 2023

Joan Evelyn Schlegel, 102, of Wyomissing, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2023, with her loving daughter beside her. Joan was but a fortnight from 103. Joan was born January 28, 1920 in Battersea, London, England to her parents, the late William Harold and Florence Sarah (Appleby) Jones. The family moved to Witney, England where she met her husband, the late Brooke P. Schlegel, an American soldier stationed in Witney in preparation for the United States' entry into WWII. They were married on November 6, 1945 and she moved to West Reading; her husband's hometown. The Greatest Generation, indeed. She was a seamstress for David Crystal, Inc.; Wolf Hosiery, and other textile companies. In addition to being an accomplished seamstress, she was skillful at knitting, gardening, cooking, and providing a cozy and loving home for her family. She gratefully filled her families' homes with hand-made treasures. She never met a baby she didn't squeeze with delight. She never declined a cup of tea. Joan will be missed for her strong nature, courage, and fortitude. Her inspiring endurance was highlighted by her quiet drive to lead her family through troubled times and the happy days. Her self-reliance was proved by living independently until the past two months, when her every need was provided for with dignity at The Highlands at Wyomissing, Reading Hospital and Medical Center, and the Berks Heim Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Joan is celebrated and survived by her daughter, Cynthia Wolf (Schlegel), wife of the late Charles Wolf III; Whitfield; five grandchildren, Alison Bauer (Schlegel), wife of Mark; Leslie Chaundy (Schlegel), wife of Kevin; Brett Schlegel, husband of Shannon; Megan Meharg (Wolf), wife of John; and Kasey (Wolf) Binder; and 10 great-grandchildren: Ryan Bauer, husband to Marcela; Aiden, Abigail, Isabella, Camden, Cecelia, Brooke, William, Colin and Ava. She was heartbreakingly predeceased by two sons, Allen B. Schlegel, husband to Bernice Kistler; and Brooke P. Schlegel, Jr., husband to Diane Schlegel; and two siblings, Peg Hanks and Harold Jones. Services will be private at the behest of the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Berks Heim Volunteer Board. Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., West Reading is honored to assist the Schlegel family. Condolences may be expressed at www.kuhnfuneralhomes.com.