Joanne Steele

Joanne (née Jesberger) Steele, of Langhorne, passed away peacefully on December 22, 2025, at the age of 82.

Born in Philadelphia, Joanne was the daughter of Edward and Margaret Jesberger. She attended Nazareth Academy High School and graduated from the Misericordia School of Nursing in 1964, beginning a lifelong vocation of caring for others. While working full time and raising her son as a single mother, she went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Holy Family University through night school, all while continuing to care for others in her profession. Her nursing career began at Nazareth Hospital, where she worked in pediatrics, and later continued as a visiting nurse with Holy Redeemer. There, she helped establish and run the home hospice program, offering comfort, dignity, and compassion to families during some of their most difficult moments-work that remained one of her proudest contributions.

A natural people person, Joanne came alive in the company of others and drew energy from being surrounded by family and friends. She treasured gatherings both small and large, took great pleasure in preparing food for the people she cared about, and was a legendary baker whose kitchen was often filled with conversation, laughter, and freshly made treats, especially at Christmas. She was also an enthusiastic gardener who took great satisfaction in tending to the plants, flowers, and trees that helped make her home so warm and welcoming.

A gifted storyteller, she delighted those around her with lively stories that could fill a room with laughter. She will be remembered for her quick wit, bright spirit, and the unmistakable spark she brought to every moment. Joanne's faith was central to her life. A devoted parishioner of St. Andrew Catholic Church in Newtown, she also volunteered through the church community, driving fellow members to appointments and helping with everyday needs-quiet acts of kindness that reflected her caring heart and commitment to others.

She is survived by her son, Michael Steele, and his partner, Ana Kang; her beloved grandchildren, Alastair and Theodore; and her sister, Eileen Connors. She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Margaret Jesberger, and her brother, William Jesberger.

Family and friends are invited to St. Andrew Catholic Church, 81 Swamp Road, Newtown, PA, on Friday, January 2. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at 12:00 p.m. Interment will take place afterward at Resurrection Cemetery, with arrival anticipated between 1:30 and 1:45 p.m. Details for a reception will be shared with family and friends.

Memorial contributions in Joanne's name may be made to Fox Chase Cancer Center, in support of cancer research and compassionate patient care.