Joan "JoAnn" Dumm

Joan “JoAnn” Irene Dumm, 88 of Chambersburg, PA, passed away surrounded by her loved ones in her home on Tuesday, July 26, 2022. Born in Richfield, PA she was the daughter of the late Oscar P. Dunkelberger and Kathryn (Yarnell) Dunkelberger.

Joan was a graduate of Lewistown High School, Class of 1951. She graduated from the Lewistown Hospital School of Nursing in 1954 and began her nursing career at Lewistown Hospital where she worked in the emergency room and on the hospital floor, In the latter part of her career, she worked as a quality assurance nurse, and she also worked as an office nurse and provided nursing care for home-bound patients. One of the most favorite parts of her nursing career was her time spent in obstetrics.

Her other full-time career was as a homemaker and fervent supporter of the many band, glee club, and sporting activities of her children and grandchildren. In her younger days, Joan enjoyed playing softball and volleyball and she was an avid golfer, playing many rounds of golf in Ladies 9 and 18 hole groups, and with her friends and husband Gene at Chambersburg Country Club. She particularly enjoyed the golfing road trips with her friends and loved to tell stories about the many adventures that they had. During her free time, she enjoyed spending time with her family, crafting, making trips to a certain location in Charlestown (AKA “Ding-Ding Land”), playing Pinochle and dominoes, and being in the mountains. She loved to knit and sew and made many blankets, scarves, and clothing for family and friends to enjoy. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and loved singing and listening to gospel music. She could always be counted for the alto part in any of her favorite hymns, of which there were many. She enjoyed preparing meals for any family celebration, but Christmas was by far her favorite holiday and she planned for that on a year round basis.

Joan was the beloved wife of 59 years of the late Alexander ”Gene” Dumm. She was the much loved mother of Randy Dumm of Fayetteville, Pennsylvania; Vicki Gamby(Nick) of Cookeville, Tennessee; and Amy Vorhees (Shaun) of Fayetteville, Pennsylvania. Her most cherished role was the grandmother of Cole Gamby (Dana), Ben Gamby (Wesley), Seth Vorhees(Abby), and Jacob Vorhees. Joan is also survived by her brother, Richard Dunkelberger.

The family is planning a private service at a later date with burial at Parklawns Memorial Gardens & Mausoleum, Chambersburg. They ask that those wishing to express sympathy consider making a donation to their favorite charity in Joan’s name.