Joan Hiester

Joan F. Hiester, age 91, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 8, 2024, at her home in Chambersburg, PA. In her last days, Joan was compassionately cared for by her family and twelve faithful caregivers. Born June 9, 1932, in Lebanon, PA, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Ann Solie Karli. The oldest of eight children, she met the love of her life, Conrad Hiester, in the eighth grade and their love never wavered.

Mrs. Hiester was a graduate of Central Catholic High School in Reading, PA where she was a cheerleader. Early in her career she had been a hairdresser, worked as an Assistant Manager at Berk’s Oral Surgery in Reading, PA, assisted her husband in his jewelry business and finally worked at Park Avenue Pharmacy in Chambersburg before retiring.

Joan Hiester was an active member of Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Corpus Christi CCW, and P.E.O. Chapter AG. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother who cherished her time with her family. Known to all as Oma, she cheered everyone on in various sporting events and activities. She also enjoyed fun times with the ladies in her local craft group.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Conrad S. Hiester, Jr. on January 25, 2000. Other deceased members of her immediate family are three brothers, Frank Jr., Robert and Patrick.

Surviving are four children, Cindy Richards (Dr. Robert, Jr.), of Chambersburg, Kim David Hiester (Michelle), of Sicklerville, New Jersey, Connie Kelley, of Chambersburg and Pam Lentz (Doug), of Indian Land, South Carolina; 14 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; and four siblings, Consilia “El” Karli of Allentown, PA, Phil Karli (Donna) of Lebanon, PA, Denny Karli (Mary) of Lancaster, PA, Gerard Karli of Quentin, PA; and three sisters-in-law, Wilma Holland, Joan Gehret, Connie Karli; and a brother-in-law, Joseph Hiester (Elaine).

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Friday, March 15, 2024 at 11:00 AM in Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 320 Philadelphia Ave., Chambersburg, PA, where the Rev. Fr. Allan Wolfe will celebrate. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, 10:00 AM, on Friday morning in the church narthex. Interment will follow the Mass in Corpus Christi Cemetery. Arrangements are by Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home, Chambersburg, PA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Joan Hiester’s name to the Corpus Christi Catholic School, 305 N. Second St., Chambersburg, PA 17201 or to the Corpus Christi St. Vincent De Paul Ministry, 279 N. Second St., Chambersburg, PA 17201.