Joanne H. Walmer

Joanne H. Walmer, 92, of Lancaster, PA and formerly of Elizabethtown, PA, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 2, 2023, bathed in sunlight and surrounded by her family at home. Born in Lebanon, PA, she was the daughter of the late Guy A. and Helen C. Hartman (Onofrey). She was the loving wife of the late Marlin S. Walmer for 48 years. Joanne graduated from Lebanon Catholic High School in 1949 and attended Moravian College for Women in Bethlehem, PA. She stood behind the creation of Electron Energy Corporation in 1970, contributing to and closely following the company’s growth and achievements for the next 53 years. With the untimely death of Marlin in 1999, she assumed the big role of a sole parent, pouring her characteristic love, wisdom, and grace into the foundation of her family. That role inspired her strength and joy in living well into her nineties. Joanne was a former member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. She offered compassionate support to patients and families as a volunteer with Home Hospice through Lancaster’s Hospice & Community Care. Joanne cherished a lifetime of beautiful memories, from low-flying along the cliffs of scenic coastal California with her husband Marlin to walking on a glacier in Alaska with dear friends, to biting into Wilbur buds. She relished the “golden hour” of first awakening each day. Her memories stretched to childhood–she loved to remember how her sister Annabelle would take her out for French fries and an orange drink. She loved to travel, from England to Fiji to Sedona, Arizona; through hilltop towns of Tuscany; to the Delaware beach and Jim Thorpe, PA; and to Alaska to fly fish with her sons. She maintained friendships around the world. She savored life and looked forward to weekly dinner nights with various members of her family. Joanne enjoyed car rides through Amish country, which often ended with her favorite icy treat, a coffee milkshake. For many years, Joanne and Marlin held season tickets to Lancaster Symphony Orchestra concerts. After Marlin passed, Joanne found joy in inviting relatives and friends to join her, creating memories of many special nights out on the town. Joanne was devoted to her family and friends, and she will be remembered for her deep warmth and humor. She also enjoyed taking time to read and listening to the birds. She cherished time in the woods at the family cabin in Huntingdon County, PA. She lived with an uncommon serenity and grace. Joanne’s mother, Helen Hartman, waited until she was 30 years of age to be married because she did not want a large family. Joanne was one of nine. She is survived by her children: Michael Walmer (Elizabeth Masciale-Walmer), Washington Boro, PA; Steven Walmer (Tisha), Newmanstown, PA; Ann de Vitry (Pierre), Columbia, PA; and David Walmer (Delores), Elizabethtown, PA. She is also survived by nine grandchildren: Carly Walmer Reiley (Alan), and Sofia and Maddalena Masciale-Walmer; Luke Walmer (Katie) and Samantha Walmer; Maya de Vitry, Monica de Vitry (Corey Nehlig), Lyle and Nina de Vitry; and four great-grandchildren: Landry and Nash Reiley, Luca Nehlig, Hadley Walmer; and siblings: John (Margaret) Hartman, Robert (Linda) Hartman, Eleanor Ebright and Mary Carolyn Hartman. She was predeceased by siblings: Helen Clare Hartman, Annabelle Cikovic, Ethel Remlinger, Guy Hartman, and Edward Hartman. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a Celebration of Life Service at The Groffs Family Funeral Home, 528 W. Orange Street, Lancaster, PA on Monday, October 16, 2023 at 2:30 p.m. with Reverend Malinda Clatterbuck officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:30 p.m. until the time of service. Private family interment will be held at the Elizabethtown Mennonite Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice & Community Care, 685 Good Drive, P.O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125.