JoAnn R. Bowles

JoAnn R. Bowles, 67, passed away peacefully in her home on June 21, 2025.

Born in Steelton on June 15, 1958, JoAnn was the daughter of the late John Bowles and Joan Kautz Bowles. She was a proud graduate of Bishop McDevitt High School, where she began a lifelong journey marked by quiet strength, compassion, and deep commitment to her work and community.

JoAnn began her career at Gannett Fleming as an editor, proofreader and switchboard operator before joining the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees (PASR), where she served as an administrative assistant and editor for more than 27 years. Her meticulous attention to detail and love for the written word left a lasting mark on all who worked with her.

Beyond her professional work, JoAnn believed deeply in giving back. She served on the board of the Doshi Gallery and volunteered her time there, supporting local artists and bringing people together through the arts. She was also a longstanding and proud member of the Altrusa International Foundation, South Central PA chapter—an organization dedicated to community service and the advancement of women.

In December 2001, JoAnn was honored to carry the Olympic Torch through the Capital Region, including Harrisburg, as it made its way west as part of the relay for the Salt Lake City Winter Games—an unforgettable experience and one of the proudest moments of her life. JoAnn called Midtown Harrisburg home for nearly 20 years, and it’s safe to say Midtown loved her right back. Spend an afternoon walking through the neighborhood with her and you’d quickly lose count of the smiles, waves, and cheerful shouts of “Hey JoAnn!” from shop owners, neighbors, and market regulars alike. Whether she was picking up produce at Broad Street Market, settling in for a movie at Midtown Cinema, flipping through books at Midtown Scholar, or grabbing a bite at one of her favorite restaurants, JoAnn moved through the community like someone exactly where she belonged. She had a special fondness for downtown arts festivals and community events—and never missed a chance to be part of the fun.

Although small in stature, JoAnn was mighty in spirit—fiercely independent, tenacious, and devoted to those she loved. Her strength, determination, and ability to live so independently was more than most people could ever have done. She had a big heart and was always ready to lend a hand or offer support to anyone in need. She gave generously, supporting local causes and national charities alike. After the passing of her mother, she found comfort and strength attending services at Good Shepherd Church. Her generosity also extended to organizations like St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and others dear to her heart.

JoAnn’s legacy is one of kindness, integrity, and service. She was a quiet but strong presence in the lives of many—an “angel on earth” who gave freely and loved deeply.

Funeral services will be private and held at the convenience of close friends. Wiedeman Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Oberlin, is handling arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation (www.oif.org) or the Children’s Brittle Bone Foundation (www.cbbf.org)