Joan R. (Reese) Dix

Joan Reese Dix passed away peacefully Thursday surrounded by her family, having lived with Parkinson's Disease for more than 20 years. 

Born Sept. 10, 1934, in Saint Clair, she was a daughter of the late David and Helen Krebs Reese, Saint Clair.

Joan was a long-standing member of St. James's Episcopal Church, Schuylkill Haven, serving on its vestry. She was a member of the Business and Professional Women's Club and a member of the Board of the Portland Oregon Symphony.

Joan was a graduate of Saint Clair High School, Class of 1952, and the Pennsylvania State University, Class of 1956, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in education. She graduated with honors and high distinction as the recipient of the Evan Pugh Award of academic excellence. She was a member of several education honor societies.

Joan began her career in education as a third-grade teacher in the Pottstown School District, where she taught for two years. She married in 1958 and returned to Schuylkill County employed as a third-grade teacher in the Schuylkill Haven School District.

In 1961, the transfer of her husband by Alcoa led to her leaving the teaching profession for several years; moving to Whittier, Calif., Geelong, Australia and Vancouver, Washington, before returning to Pennsylvania in 1973.

She was again employed by the Schuylkill Haven School District, where she taught kindergarten until her retirement in 1999.

Joan was proud of her profession and even prouder of her young students. They were her life and love, which she chronicled with many stories of their exploits.

Peanut M&Ms, a "rollie over everybody," holding hands with her husband, Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue," kindness, "twirly whirly birds," chocolate marshmellow ice cream, Jeopardy, entertaining friends, a good book, dancing in the living room, the laughter of children... these were a few of her favorite things.

Joan is survived by her husband of 59 years, James, Pine Grove; a sister, Virginia Reese, Saint Clair; a daughter, Hilary Hayes, and her son, Nathan, both of Harrisburg; daughter, Adrienne Shriener and her husband, James, and their son, Robert, all of Landisville.

A visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service Saturday, Oct. 14 at Ebling-Stabingas Funeral Home, Cressona. A Celebration of Life funeral service will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 14 at the funeral home. Private entombment will be held at the family's convenience at Schuylkill Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to St. James Episcopal Church, Dock  St. and Paxson Ave., Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972.

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