Joan Wolfe

In Loving Memory of Joan Suzanne Wolfe

Joan Suzanne Wolfe (81) went home to be with Jesus on Saturday, August 9th, 2025. Her greatest joy came from being a wife, mother and grandmother-always present, always kind, always putting her family first. Known for her sweet, soft-spoken nature, Joan touched many lives with her quiet strength and deep faith.

Born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, she grew up in Coopersburg, Pennsylvania, and graduated from Southern Lehigh High School. While in college, she became a Christian at a Billy Graham Crusade-a turning point that shaped her life. She met her husband, Richard Wolfe, at their church, where their shared faith blossomed into a lifelong partnership for over 62 years.

Joan and Richard served as missionaries to Costa Rica and Peru and later pastored a missions church in North Carolina. She worked as a personal lines processing clerk at Harleysville Insurance and was deeply involved in women's Bible studies, both as a leader and participant.

In retirement, Joan and Richard lived in Daytona Beach, Florida before moving to Allentown, Pennsylvania to be closer to family. She loved time at the shore, shopping, and reading, especially when surrounded by loved ones.

Joan is survived by her family who loved her dearly: husband, Richard Calvert Wolfe; daughters Kelly Ann Oswald and Brenda Sue (Ronald) Held; grandchildren Frances Oswald and Brennan Held; brothers Richard Tesche and Carl (Janet) Tesche; sister-in-law Jean (John) Duerr and her nieces and nephew. She was predeceased by her parents, Walter J. and Jean E. Tesche, sister Lynn Jones; in-laws Richard and Frances Wolfe; and a nephew.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 11, 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM at Grandview Cemetery, 2735 Walbert Ave, Allentown, PA 18104, followed by a graveside memorial service at 11:30 AM. All who knew and loved Joan are welcome to attend and celebrate the beautiful life she lived.

"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint." - Isaiah 40:31

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