Joann R. Baer Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Joann Ruth (Stuyvesant) Baer, age 92, took Jesus' hand as she passed to her heavenly home on June 17, 2022 surrounded by her adoring family at home. Joann was born on October 4, 1929 in Greenville, Pa. to Olla and Ruth (Hunt) Stuyvesant early in the Great Depression and as a youth, she delivered homegrown produce on her bicycle to help support her family. She was a graduate of Greeville High School and a business college then took a secretarial position at the Greenville Steel Car. Joann was fondly accused of "running away from home at age 24 when she moved to Orlando, Florida first for secretarial employment and later as a switchboard operator. Friends and relatives warned her to avoid airmen from the local Pine Castle Air Force Base but she was charmed by and married airman first class, Franklin R. Baer with whom she shared nearly 66 devoted years of marriage. After returning to their home state of Pennsylvania, the couple settled permanently in Shermans Dale and Joann worked briefly as a telephone operator again prior to immersing herself in faith and family pursuits. She served as a Sunday school teacher, missions liaison and church treasurer for many years at the Carlisle Church of the Nazarene. A lifelong knitter, Joann lovingly created baby hats and booties for friends and strangers as well as prayer shawls. In her later decades she adopted "Knit for Kids" as her personal ministry, crafting over 300 sweaters for children in need around the world through a program begun by Guideposts in 1996. Joann loved all things yellow, Cape May Beach, Rehoboth Beach, the Cape May - Lewes Ferry and dining out with family at Mountain Gate Restaurant in Thurmont, Maryland. She enthusiastically affirmed family members who got things right after a struggle by exclaiming, "Now you're cookin' with gas !" Joann found fulfillment in helping all those in need and was the least judgemental person to be with. She put feet to her faith by visiting lonely, homebound seniors to share chat and food. Her love and dedication was a reflection of her love for Jesus. She had an unbreakable faith and walked with Him in His ways, His teachings and His devotion to His creation. Joann is survived by her adoring husband Franklin R.; son, Dennis L. Baer and his wife, Betty (Foose); daughter, Melody L. (Baer) Irwin and her husband, Larry E. Irwin; brother, David Stuyvesant and his wife, Doris (Hanna); and multiple grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a precious infant daughter, Ruth Elaine Baer; her parents; her sister, Marilyn (Stuyvesant) Joy; and an infant brother. The family is abundantly grateful for the exceptional care, compassion and support provided by Hospice of Central PA with particular thanks to RN case manager, Kylie. Friends are invited to celebrate Joann's life and legacy at 11 AM on Wednesday, June 22, 2022 in the Boyer Family Funeral Home in New Bloomfield, Pa. A viewing will be held one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in Cumberland Valley Memorial Gardens in Carlisle, Pa. In lieu of flowers please consider a contribution to Hospice of Central PA. To express condolences visit boyerfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The Boyer Family is honored to handle the arrangements for the Baer Family,

Joann R. Baer

October 4, 1929 - June 17, 2022