Joan Louise Smolnik

Joan Louise (Merkle) Smolnik a long time resident of Mt. Penn died on Monday, August 22, 2022 at the age of 88. She is predeceased by her husband of 35 years, Stanley J. Smolnik. Joan was born in Reading on July 26, 1934 to the late Gertrude A. (Haage) and Frederick J. Merkel. She graduated from CCHS. She was a wonderful, dedicated, mother, grandmother, and friend. She was a stay at home mom for many years. She then worked at Boscov's East mail room for many years.

She is survived by her two daughters, Carla Frazer, wife of Michael Frazer; Susan Smolnik, longtime companion of Robert Bashore; her grandchildren, Sean Frazer, husband to LeighAnn Frazer; Tyler Twiford, husband of Sarah Twiford; Alex Twiford, boyfriend of Bridgett Finn; and great-granddaughter Aubreigh Frazer. She is also survived by two sisters, Rita Leach, widow of William Leach, of Palmyra, and Anna Mae Nein, widow of Thomas Nein, of Reading, and many nieces and nephews.

Loving memories never die, as years roll on and days pass by. In my heart a memory is kept of one we loved and will never forget.

Visitation with family and friends will be held on Friday, August 26, 2022 from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm in Lutz Funeral Home, Inc. 2100 Perkiomen Ave, Reading, PA 19606. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Catharine's of Siena R.C.C., 4975 Boyertown Pike, Reading PA 19606. Lutz Funeral Home, Inc. is in charge of arrangements. For online condolences, please visit www.LutzFuneralHome.com