Joyce Joanne (McDaniel) Howsare

Joyce “Joanne” Howsare, 79, passed away Thursday, January 23, 2020. She’ll join husband Robert H. “Bob” Howsare, who preceded her on August 16, 2017, to celebrate their 62rd wedding anniversary together. Joanne was born on February 27, 1940, at the home of her parents, Oliver R. McDaniel and Phyllis Reba (Riley) McDaniel in Everett, Pennsylvania.  She is survived by her three children: Linda D. Suter, of Bedford; Gloria J. Smouse and husband Daniel, of Martinsburg; and Rodney A. Howsare and wife Kelly, of Allentown; five grandchildren, Heidi, Abby, Chad, Adam, and Olivia; two step-grandchildren, Andrew and Nathan; and seven great-grandchildren, Isabella, Tommy, Rylee, Adelyn, Joel, Parker, and Paige; her sister, Dory Cook and husband Dan, of Georgia. She was preceded in death by a granddaughter Michelle; and brothers, Kenneth McDaniel; Lee McDaniel, widow Ada, of Bedford; Joe McDaniel, widow Sandy of Bedford; Roy McDaniel, and Thomas McDaniel.  

Joanne was a familiar face in Bedford, having worked at Eleanor’s Shoppe then GiGi’s Store for over 30 years. She could be counted on for a laugh, her quick judgment of any situation (whether you asked or not), her impeccable fashion sense, and extraordinary skills as a seamstress. She attended the Village Assembly of God church for over 50 years where she taught Sunday school.   

Joanne was an avid reader, which likely added to her sharp tongue, wit, and humor. One of her favorite past times was sitting with family, around a fire or the kitchen table, listening to members play music and singing along. She’s singing a particular Kasey Chambers song to Bob now.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, January 28, 2020 at 11:00 a.m., in the Chapel at the Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home, in Bedford with Jim Miller officiating. Burial at Bedford County Memorial Park. Friends will be received on Monday from 5-8 p.m. at the funeral home, and one hour prior to the service on Tuesday.  Those wishing can make contributions in Joanne’s name to the Bedford County Library, 240 S Wood St., Bedford, PA 15522.  Our online guestbook is available at www.berkebilefuneralhome.com.