On May 31, Joanne T. Stevens of Bell Gate Farm, Coopersburg, Penn., joined the love of her life, attorney Richard F. Stevens, on their final eternal journey. She was the daughter of Frances A. Poklemba and the late attorney Stephen F. Poklemba. Joanne was born in Camden, New Jersey, on Oct. 3, 1952, but was raised in Mt. Carmel, Pennsylvania. After attending Mt. Carmel High School, she studied at the Allentown Hospital School of Nursing, where she graduated as a registered nurse in 1973. In 1974, Joanne met Richard, whose heart she possessed. They lived a fairy tale life together and had a mutual love of travel. Their greatest collaboration was their daughter Stephanie, who held both their hearts. Joanne had a generous heart and her compassion knew no bounds. She was smart, funny and beautiful inside and out. Her passing will forever leave an empty place in the hearts of those who loved her.
Joanne is survived by her daughter, Stephanie Longo Stevens; fiancé, Brad Sommer; her grandchild, Parker Jo Jo; her mother; and sisters: Mary Beebe, Frances Sacavage, Connie Vivian, Nancy Carragee, Janet Norwood and Teresa Beattie. She is also survived by nieces and nephews: Ben and Caroline Beebe, Lydia, Sasha (godchild) and Santina Sacavage, Gary Figore (godchild), Catherine Carragee, Matthew and Stephen Norwood, and Caitlyn and Brian Beattie. She will be terribly missed.
A private invitation service will be held at Bell Gate Farm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the VNA of St Luke’s Hospice 1510 Valley Center Parkway, Suite 200, Bethlehem, PA 18017, or St Croix Animal Welfare Center, RR 2, No. 32 Clifton Hill, Kingshill, St. Croix VI 00850-9250 (www.stcroixawc.org). Arrangements are by the J.S. Burkholder Funeral Home, Allentown. Penn. (www.jsburkholder.com)
