Joan D. Harshman, 87, of Rochester, was surrounded by her loving family when she passed away at 9:55 AM on Thursday, August 3, 2023 at Life Care Center of Rochester.
Joan passed away four months prior to her 88th birthday, just as her mother did.
On December 15, 1935, in Fall River, MA, Joan Diana Boas was born to Ernest and Diana Labouliere Boas. Growing up she shared her childhood with two sisters, Madeleine and Colette, and a brother Ernest.
Joan and Ronald K. Harshman were married on October 27, 1956, at the Notre Dame Catholic Church of Fall River, MA. They shared 60 years of life’s adventures. From their union came three wonderful children, Kathy, Kelly and Skip. The family tree continued to grow with the added blessings of 11 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
The young Harshman family moved to Fulton County in 1964, making Rochester their home. As an accomplished seamstress, Joan worked at Hart Schaffner & Marx for 28 years. Later she worked for Superior Samples for a decade. Expressing herself with acrylics on canvas, Joan created many beautiful paintings for her family and friends. She was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church of Rochester.
Left to cherish Joan's memory are two daughters: Katherine Ann Amor and husband Bruce of Rochester, Kelly Lynn Rockow and fiancé Mike Smith of Punta Gorda, FL; son, David “Skip” Clifford Harshman and wife Kathi of Port Charlotte, FL; eleven grandchildren: Bradley, Kyle, Kody, Leigh, Ryan, Kristin, Matthew, Joshua, Chad, Taylor, Morgan; 16 great-grandchildren; sister, Madeleine O’Reagan and husband Butch of Fall River, MA; brother, Ernest Boas and wife Jeanie of Summerset, MA; and several nieces and nephews.
Preceding Joan in death are her parents, beloved husband of 60 years Ron on August 16, 2016, one sister, Colette Manners and husband Larry.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 12 noon on Saturday, August 12, 2023 in the St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1310 Main St., Rochester. Father Dennis Faker will officiate.
The Rosary will be recited at 9:45 AM on Saturday in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 West 18th St., Rochester followed by visitation through 11:30 AM. Private family interment will follow in the Rochester IOOF Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1310 Main St. Rochester, IN 46975.
