Joanne M. Salsgiver

Joanne M. Salsgiver died peacefully Sunday, September 3, 2023, at her home, 1635 Williamsburg Way, Mechanicsburg after a valiant battle with cancer.

Joanne was born January 28, 1952. She grew up on a farm in Westover PA. She graduated from Harmony High School in 1969. She was a Registered Nurse having graduated 1972 from Mercy School of Nursing, Altoona. She earned a BS in Health Arts from the University of St. Francis, and a MS in Health Services Administration. Joanne also earned the AHA/American Society Healthcare Risk Management Certificate.

Joanne worked as a nurse for over 35 years. She was an Intensive Care nurse as well as an RN Educator and Risk Manager. From 2003-2014 she was employed by the PA Department of Health. She retired as the Director, Division of Acute and Ambulatory Care. After her retirement she worked as a consultant for the Joint Commission, Medicare Surveys.

Joanne is survived by her husband, Reverend Dr. Thomas Salsgiver. They celebrated their 49 th wedding anniversary on July 6. Joanne is also survived by a brother, David Hughes of Westover and a sister, Carol Fox (Brian). She is also survived by 3 nieces, 1 nephew and a great niece.

Joanne was preceded in death by her parents June (Cullen) and Elmer Hughes, a brother Kenneth Hughes and her in-laws Ruby (Zinck) and Smith Salsgiver.

Joanne’s greatest pride and joy were her children, Rebecca Fowler (Tim) and Reverend Brent Salsgiver (Mary) and grandson, Mason Salsgiver. As a mother, Joanne never missed a sporting event, concert, play or anything that Rebecca and Brent participated in. Even while taking chemotherapy, Joanne would do everything she could to attend Mason’s sporting events and make sure she had time for him.

Joanne was a lifelong, active United Methodist. She was active in every church choir and bell choir where she belonged. She also loved having members of each youth group gather at the parsonage. More than one youth ended up living in the parsonage for as long as they needed.

She was also a member of the Harmony Grange #1201. As often as she could, she would return to spend the week at the Grange Fair. In recent years she worked in some of the booths, selling cookbooks and t-shirts.

Despite her cancer diagnosis, Joanne continued to be an active a member of the National Christian Choir. Even when it was difficult with chemotherapy treatments, she made the 2-hour drive to practice and also sang in almost all the concerts. When she was asked why, even when she didn’t feel well, she still continue to participate her reason was “it feeds my soul and brings joy to people.” She recently received recognition for her 5 years of dedicated service to the choir.

A service of Remembrance and Celebration will be held Sunday, September 10, 2023, at Grace United Methodist Church, 216 State Street, Harrisburg PA at 3 p.m.. Parking will be a challenge, so guests are encouraged to use the South Street Garage, 220 South Street, Harrisburg.

The family will provide the flowers. For those who wish, donations may be made to: Susquehanna Conference Camps and Retreats, 303 Mulberry Drive, Mechanicsburg PA 17050-3179; The National Christian Choir PO Box 1600, Germantown MD 20875-1600l; or Homeland Hospice 2300 Vartan Way, Suite 270, Harrisburg PA 17110-9720.