Joyce Arlene (Schaffer) Schelly
Joyce Arlene Schelly, a nurse and lifelong Lehigh Valley resident, died at Fellowship Manor, Whitehall, PA on June 22, at the age of 90. She was born in Fogelsville, PA, daughter of the late Annie (Holben) and Franklin Schaffer.
Joyce is survived by daughters Nancy Snyder and son-in-law the Honorable Donald Snyder of Orefield
and Jane Schelly of Spokane, WA; grandchildren Schelly Harrison and Sean Snyder; three great-grandchildren; siblings Rev. Franklin Schaffer, Larry Schaffer, and Terry Schaffer. Joyce was preceded in death by husband Jim in 1997, and siblings Hope Hopper, Norman Schaffer and Robert Schaffer. Joyce graduated from Allentown High School in 1949 and the former Allentown Hospital School of Nursing, 1952, followed in 1962 by a Bachelor of Science degree from East Stroudsburg University. She started in family practice nursing, excelled in operating room nursing, and was employed by the Allentown School District for 35 years, nursing at levels from kindergarten to high school.
Joyce was an active member of Jordan United Church of Christ in Allentown, serving as deacon, elder and as a shut-in visitor. Joyce applied her nursing skills, along with her love of the outdoors to serve as Girl Scout camp nurse in the Poconos, Colorado Rockies, Sierra Nevada's, and the Adirondacks, sharing the experience with her daughters. Joyce was an avid quilter and gardener and was involved in the Lehigh Valley Historical Society along with many activities related to the Pennsylvania Dutch culture. Her love of travel took her to many parts of the world as she shared adventures with her family and friends.
A memorial service will take place at 2:00 PM, November 9 at Jordan U.C.C., 1837 Church Rd, Allentown. Arrangements by Keller Funeral Home, Inc., Fogelsville. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www. KellerFuneralHomes.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Parkland Community Library or the Lehigh County Historical Society, in care of the funeral home, PO Box 52, Fogelsville, 18051.