Joyce B. Wichert “beloved wife, mother, grandmother, & teacher”

Shinglehouse, PA---Joyce B. Wichert, 74, of Shinglehouse, PA, died unexpectedly in her home on Saturday, October 24, 2009.

Born April 26, 1935 in Sayre, PA, she was a daughter of Shubal and Luella Turner Bowman. On August 24, 1957 in Mansfield, PA, she married William T. “Ted” Wichert, Jr., who survives.

Mrs. Wichert was a graduate of Sayre (PA) High School and a 1957 graduate of Mansfield Teacher’s College, now Mansfield University, Mansfield, PA. After graduation Mrs. Wichert taught First grade at Shinglehouse Elementary School, which later became Oswayo Valley Elementary School. She retired after 34 years on June 5, 1991.

She was a member of the Shinglehouse United Methodist Church; a 50 year member and past matron of Eureka Chapter #52 O.E.S. in Shinglehouse; a member of Shinglehouse American Legion Post 530 Ladies Auxiliary; a member of the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees, Potter-Tioga Chapter; a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society for key women educators; and a member of the Mansfield Alumni Association.

Mrs. Wichert loved to travel, play cards, knit, and read. She always kept all of her students in her heart. She would always enquire how her students were doing when visiting with them and their friends. Mrs. Wichert attended the high school graduation for each of the First grade classes she taught. Her greatest love was her family, especially her grandchildren.

Surviving besides her husband are two sons, William “Tedd” (Debra) Wichert III and Kent Alan (Lisa) Wichert, both of Shinglehouse; nine grandchildren: Amy M. Wichert, Jason M. Wichert, Ryan A. Wichert, Eric W. Wichert, Chelsea N. Wichert, Lindsey R. Wichert, Jacob A. Wichert, Jillian E. Wichert, and Noah R. Wichert; two brothers, Robert W. (Nancy) Bowman of Lewistown, PA and Richard L. (Irene) Bowman of Snellville, GA; a sister, Mary L. Moore of Waverly, NY, GA; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Wichert was predeceased by 2 sisters, Phyllis Emerson and Barbara Westbrook.

Friends may call on Monday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, PA where funeral services will be held on Tuesday, October 27, 2009 at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Daniel P. Grimes, pastor of the Shinglehouse United Methodist Church and the Rev. Randall W. Headley, pastor of the Port Allegany Area Charge of the United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will be in the Maple Grove Cemetery, Shinglehouse, PA.

Members of Eureka Chapter #52 O.E.S. will conduct a memorial service on Monday evening at 8:45 p.m. in the funeral home.

Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to the Oswayo Valley Memorial Library, PO Box 188, Shinglehouse, PA 16748 or to the Oswayo Valley Teacher’s Association College Loan Fund, PO Box 610, Shinglehouse, PA 16748.