M. Joanne Long, 67, of Centre Hall, went home to be with her Lord, Thursday, January 6, 2011, at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville.
She was born June 13, 1943, in Bellefonte, a daughter of F. Evelyn Miller Sharer of Centre Hall and the late Reeder J. Sharer.
On April 16, 1966, she married Robert R. Long, who survives at home.
Joanne was a 1961 graduate of Penns Valley High School.
She was the Administrative Secretary to the Chief of Police at the State College Borough Police Department, retiring in June 2005, after 31 years of service. Following her retirement, she substituted as a teacher's aide in the Penns Valley School District.
Joanne was a dedicated, faithful and active member of St. Luke Lutheran Church in Centre Hall, having served on the Altar Guild and Church Council. The Centre Hall Garden Club and the Red Hat Society were other organizations of which she was a member. She was also involved with the Food Bank in Centre Hall.
An extremely active and people-loving person, she loved spending time with her grandchildren, attending every possible school, sporting, and scouting event they were involved in. Spending time at Camp and going to Grange Fair were times she cherished. Always busy with something, Joanne enjoyed crocheting and needlepoint, as well as being an avid gardener.
In addition to her mother and husband, she is survived by one son, Brian R. Long and his wife Kathy of Centre Hall; one daughter, Michele L. Brown and her husband Terry of Spring Mills; five grandchildren, Forrest Rishel, Ian and Dayna Brown, and Andy and Ryan P. Long; three sisters, Shirley L. O'Hara of Spring Mills, Patricia A. Strouse and her husband Monty of Centre Hall, and Norma J. Crater and her husband Jan of Centre Hall; one brother, Thomas Ray Sharer of Centre Hall; her beloved cats, Cali and Scoot; and was fondly known as Aunt JoJo to her many nieces and nephews.
Friends will be received from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 8, 2011, at St. Luke Lutheran Church, 301 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Centre Hall, PA. The funeral will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the church with the Reverend Scott Klimke officiating. Burial will be in the Reformed and Lutheran Cemetery, West Church St., Centre Hall, PA.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to St. Luke Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 331, Centre Hall, PA, 16828.
An on-line guest book can be signed or condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com.