Joan Schmetzer

Joan Schmetzer, age 86, of Biglerville, passed away on Thursday, April 24, 2025 at UPMC Harrisburg Hospital. She was born June 4, 1938 in Queens, NY, and was the foster daughter of the late Joseph and Ellen Coffee.

Joan married her husband, Frederick Henry Schmetzer. In her spare time, Joan loved being outside working in her garden and playing with her great-great-grandchildren. She also loved playing BINGO, being with her pets, Milo and Boots and most of all, she enjoyed family time.

Joan is survived by her two daughters, MaryEllen “Susie” Dickinson of Gardners and Kathleen "Kathy" P. Rudisill and her husband, William of York Springs; daughter-in-law, Sara Barrera of Biglerville; son, Thomas M. Hance and his wife, Roseann of New York; ten grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; sister, Jean McEachin; brother, Tom Sonnenberg and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her foster parents, Joan was preceded in death by her loving husband of 20 years, Frederick H. Schmetzer; four sons, Frederick R. Schmetzer, Robert Schmetzer, Donald Hance and Richard Hance and her other siblings.

Professional services are entrusted to Dugan Funeral Home, Inc., 111 South Main St., Bendersville. Memorial Services will be held on Friday, May 2, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Dugan Funeral Home, Inc., with Reverend Craig Loewen officiating. A Public Visitation will take place from 1:00 PM until the time of services.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Joan’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, Heidlersburg Fire Company, VFD Station 25, 2720 Heidlersburg Rd, Gettysburg, PA 17325 or Biglerville Fire Company, VFD Station 6, 111 S. Main St, Biglerville, PA 17307. Friends may express online condolences at www.DuganFH.com.