Joanne Louise Heschke

Joanne Louise Heschke, 82, of Summerville, passed away on Tuesday, March 18,2025, at Punxsutawney Area Hospital.

She was born in Brookville on January 07, 1943, a daughter of the late Jay Calvin Byerly and Mildred Louise (Hoffman) Byerly.

Joanne graduated from Brookville High School and was the Salutatorian of her class.

On June 2, 1962, she married her sweetheart, Clifford Jay Heschke.  They enjoyed nearly forty-four years of marriage and raised a loving family together.  Clifford preceded her in death on April 09, 2006.

She was a member of the Stanton Community Church. She was also a member of the Bethlehem Lutheran Women’s Guild.

Joanne previously worked administratively in the loan dept at the former Deposit Bank which later became First Commonwealth Bank.

She lived a life full of love, adventure and had an appreciation for life’s simple joys.  She found serenity in the beauty of the Outer Banks, where the sound of the waves and the salty breeze brought her peace.  She reveled in the thrill of finding Hawthorne pottery to add to her collection, and in her spare time she liked keeping her mind sharp with crossword puzzles and sudoku.

Nothing brought her more happiness than supporting her grandchildren in their sporting activities.  Whether on the sidelines or in the stands, she was their biggest cheerleader offering encouragement and pride.

She is survived by two children, Michael Jay (Brenda) Heschke of Summerville and Karen (Robert) Young of Worthville; six grandchildren, Nicholas (Jillian) Heschke of Waterford, Alexander Young of Worthville, Shane Heschke of Punxsutawney, Jared (Alyssa) Heschke of Summerville, Kelsey Young of Mechanicsburg and Tyler Young of Hatboro; six great grandchildren, Alice, Emma, Calvin, Nora, Burke and Graham Heschke;  a dear, steadfast companion, Dale Schreckengost of Stanton.

Friends will be received from 11-1 p.m. on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at Shumaker Funeral Home, Inc., Punxsutawney.

A funeral service will be held at the funeral home at 1 p.m. Saturday, officiated by Reverend Tom Verner.

Interment will be at Bethlehem Lutheran Cemetery, Beaver Township, Summerville.

Memorial donations may be made in Joanne’s memory to the Stanton Community Church or Bethlehem Lutheran cemetery.

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