Joan Ellen (Schroll) Elder passed away Friday, Sept. 27, at Jameson Care Center in New Castle.

Joan, daughter of Robert and Dorothy Schroll, grew up in West Middlesex and was a proud graduate of the Jameson School of Nursing's Class of 1965. Beginning her nursing career at Jameson Hospital, she loved her work despite having to wear pantyhose and starch her nurse's hat. In 1967, she married the love of her life at West Middlesex UM church. A few years later, she welcomed her only child. After many years working at the hospital, Joan transitioned to Jameson Home Health before her eventual retirement.

Joan enjoyed watercolor painting classes at the Hoyt, visiting National Parks and riding ATVs with her husband, regular lunches with her friends, weekly phone calls that turned into video calls with her daughter who moved too far away for her liking, Friday night dinners with her husband and their friends and holidays with her family. She was thrilled to zipline on a family trip to Costa Rica.

Joan is survived by her husband of 57 years, Gary; and daughter, Karen Lee. Also by her sister, Karen Ann Jones, of West Middlesex; her brother and sister-in-law, Jeffrey and Terry Schroll, of Canton, Ohio; and many nieces, nephews and cousins as well as her many friends and those whose lives she touched.

In lieu of flowers, please schedule time regularly with your friends, take a class — and travel to somewhere you've always wanted to go. If you're able, please make a donation to your local American Cancer Society or Arts & Education at the Hoyt in New Castle in her memory.