Joan W Schlie

Joan W. Schlie, 81, of Allentown passed away peacefully on Thursday April 4, 2024. Born on January 16,1943 in Georgetown, DC. Joan was the beloved daughter of the late Lieutenant Commander Albert Francis Brown of the U.S. Navy and Geneva Caroline Brown (Greiner). Joan was the Sweetheart Queen in her senior year at Jeb Stuart High School in Fairfax, Virginia and continued her education earning both her bachelor's and master's degrees in social work from Radford University. One of Joan's proudest professional achievements was helping to open and serving as the 1 st principal of the Didlake School in Manassas, Virginia in 1965. The Didlake School was inspired by parents and educators who were frustrated with the laws that prohibited children with disabilities from attending public schools. After a few years at Didlake, Joan switched things up a bit and became a private investigator through the AmeriCorps program. Joan went on to work for Senator Henry "Scoop" Jackson during the Carter Administration where she met her husband Theodore (Ted). Joan ended her career as a social worker for Kidspeace National Centers, happily welcoming her retirement after years of service. Joan was an avid reader, an expert shopper and stayed sharp by keeping up with current events. She had an opinion about everything from world political leaders to celebrity scandals. Above all else, family meant the most to Joan. Her heart overflowed with love for her family, and she treasured every moment spent with those closest to her. Joan is survived by her loving husband Theodore of Allentown; daughter Kelley and her wife Andrea of Allentown; brother John Brown and his wife Donna Matthews of Luray, Virginia; and nieces Lissa Henschen & Linette Genovese. Private ceremony with family. No calling hours. Arrangements are under the care of Robert C. Weir Funeral Home of Allentown. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Joan's memory to a children's charity of your choice.