Joan S Rabenold

A beautiful branch fell from our family tree when Allentown native, Joan S. Rabenold, died in the home of her loving son and caregiver, Mark, with whom she had lived for the past nine years. Her death occurred in the early morning hours of June 4th, less than one week prior to her 95th birthday. Joan was the middle of three girls born to the late Herbert and Florence (Smith) Stager of Allentown and was a 1944 graduate of Allentown High School. Before her marriage to Edward F. Rabenold of Allentown in 1948, Joan worked briefly in sales at Hess Brother's Department Store, then moved to a job in the classified ad department at The Morning Call. She became a full-time mother and homemaker in 1951. In 2009, Joan was predeceased by her husband, Ed, after nearly 61 years of marriage. Joan enjoyed playing the piano and had a wonderful singing voice. She could often be heard singing around the house. She also liked traveling throughout the United States and especially loved her many trips to various parts of Europe and the United Kingdom. Joan was a good cook and a terrific baker... often surprising her family with freshly baked, made-from-scratch treats and delicious birthday cakes. She was also an avid walker who could frequently be seen exploring the many neighborhoods of Allentown's West End where she had lived nearly all of her life. Even at age 94, she was still taking mile-long walks with her son every day the weather allowed. Joan had a lovely disposition and always greeted everyone she encountered with a sweet smile and kind words. As this picture from her 90th birthday shows, she had a natural, youthful appearance throughout her entire life, often resulting in people believing she was 10 to 15 years younger than she actually was. Survivors: Son Mark E. Rabenold and daughter Victoria R. Wise (wife of William E. Wise) of Allentown; grandchildren Andrew Wise of MN and Dana Wise Ring of NJ; three great-grandchildren; younger sister, Marilyn Mutchler, of FL; nephews, nieces, and three cousins. There will be no public service held.

Joan S Rabenold

June 4, 2021