Joan S. Rothenberger

Joan S. (Richard) Rothenberger, 66, of Boyertown, fiancée of Roger M. Baumann of Lower Pottsgrove, passed away at home on Tuesday, August 14, 2012 after a valiant two year fight against a rare intestinal cancer.

Born in Oley, she was a daughter of the late Woodrow H. and Betty (Schott) Richard.

She spent her younger years working on the family farm an learning to sew with her grandmother, Annie Richard. She graduated from Oley Valley High School in 1964. As a young mother and housewife, she could often be seen wearing her golf shoes while doing yard work. She went on to become a school nurse for 26 years with the Boyertown Area School District, working primarily at Colebrookdale and New Hanover Elementary Schools. She also was the office manager for the Boyertown Chiropractic Group and worked part time at Boscov's

She was an active member in the surrounding community and enjoyed herself most when she was interactivng with others and inquiring about their well being. She could always be found at the American Cancer Society Relay for Life events in both Boyertown and Pottstown. She was active in Eastern Star and held the Worthy Matron position in 1989. She was a member of Christ Lutheran Church, Oley. She spent several years volunteering with the Luther League Youth Group traveling to Philadelphia to feed the homeless with "Trevor's Campaign for the Homeless."

Always ahead of her time, she was one of the first women to join Rotary International when she joined the Boyertown Rotary Club. She served the club in many capacities as a member of many committees, the Board of Directors, and as an officer. In 200-2001, she was the President of the Boyertown Rotary Club. She is a Paul Harris Fellow and a Major Donor to the Rotary Foundation.

She cherished the time she spent with her family, playing golf, watching the deer roam her back yard and traveling, especially to Arizona and Mexico.

In addition to her fiancée, she is survived by her daughter, Jennifer, wife of John Zelenak of Berne, NY; her son, Jeffrey Sweinhart and wife Debbie of Oley; grandchildren Emma, Henry, Jack and Luke Zelenak of Berne, NY; brother Larry Richard and fiancée Margaret Sheets of Concord, NC and aunt Betty Brumbach of Oley. Also her fiancees's daughters, Heather, wife of Roberto Pin of Basking Ridge, NJ; Kristen, wife of Raymond Keeler, III of Perkiomenville; granddaughter Lakota Keeler and Roger's mother, Mildred Baumann of Frederick, Pa.

She was predeceased by her husband, Dr. Jesse Rothenberger of Boyertown.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, August 18, 2012 in Christ Lutheran Church, 325 Covered Bridge Road, Oley at 11:00 am. Friends may call on Saturday from 10:00 -11:00 am.

The family extends its gratitude to the doctors and staff of Pottstown Memorial Medical Center and the Pottstown Regional Cancer Center, TriCounty Hospice and the Visiting Angels of Pottstown for their dedicated and loving care. A special place in our hearts is reserved for all the family and friends who offered encouragement and support throughout her illness. In lieu of flowers or donations, the family asks for your loving thoughts of Joan and the many ways that she touched our lives.