Joan M. Douglass

Joan Martindell Douglass passed away on August 28, 2026 while at the Country Meadows retirement community in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Joan was the dear wife of Merlin, who pre-deceased her by 8 years; mother to three sons and one daughter; grandmother to six grandchildren; great-grandmother to six great-grandchildren.

Born August 18, 1932 to Ruth and Harry Hartpence in Palmer Township, PA, Joan then grew up in Flemington and later in Pittstown, NJ. She graduated from Temple School of Dental Hygiene in Philadelphia and married (1953) Merlin Douglass, who lived on the farm across the lane. It was at Linden Farms, just outside of town where they lived for 46 years, raising their children on the family’s dairy farm. In addition to her career as a dental hygienist, Joan grew many of the family’s vegetables and kept the kitchen stocked with home-baked treats. In 1999, after the sale of the farm, they retired to Tucson AZ.

A Chevy camper van provided the means for retired Joan and Merlin to adventurously travel the country, enjoying National Parks, and visiting with friends and family. Home base was Baker Street where their community could be called a “street of friendships.”Joan volunteered at the local hospital, frequently hiked in Sabino Canyon and Saguaro National Park, and hosted many, many family visits. She and Merlin eventually graduated to ocean and river cruises - some favorites being to Alaska, the Columbia River, Baja, Holland’s waterways, and Europe’s Rhine, and Danube rivers.

After Merlin’s passing in 2018, Joan moved to the Country Meadows retirement community in Hershey, PA. During the 8 years spent there she immersed herself in as many activities as possible, forming wonderful friendships amongst both fellow residents and staff. While in her late 80’s and early 90’s, Joan impressed everyone by becoming a self-taught artist, even selling, exhibiting, and giving away her art. Her apartment overflowed with paintings of landscapes, old buildings, animals, and flowers.

Joan is survived by her sister Gerry Fields of South Pomfret, VT; children Keith Douglass (Deb) of Shermans Dale, PA; Susan Douglass (Gary Clow) of Boulder, CO; Jeff Douglass of Easton, PA; and David Douglass of Stroudsburg, PA (and his wife and family). Her grandchildren: Lauren Chubb (Christopher) of Newport, PA; Krista Straub (Randy) of Carlisle, PA; Sarah Blumenschein (Adam) of Landisburg, PA. Great-grandchildren: Ashley, Alexis, Lillie, Ryan, Olivia, and Emma.

Joan’s life was filled with love for her family and friends. She was an intelligent, creative, and caring person who was curious about the world around her. She remained sharp until the very end and will be so greatly missed.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held in Quakertown, NJ under the direction of the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ. For further information or to send an online condolence, please visit www.holcombefisher.com.