Joan V. Hamilton

Joan V. (Zeigler) Hamilton, 83, Harrisburg, passed away Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Brookdale Grandon Farms in Mechanicsburg.

Born May 11, 1941, in Harrisburg, she was the daughter of the late Roland Zeigler Sr. and Viola (Schell) Zeigler and was also preceded in death by her brother: Roland Zeigler, Jr.

A 1959 graduate of Central Dauphin High School, she spent many years after graduating serving in the cafeteria at John Harris and Central Dauphin High Schools. She will be remembered by her students as being kind and generous.

Joan's faith was a cornerstone of her life, as she was an active member of Fairmont Community Church for many years, helping her mother in teaching the children's Sunday School Class, and fostering friendships and spiritual growth within her community.

In 1963 she married Barry F. Hamilton, with whom she travelled to many exotic locations, including Europe, the Caribbean, Hawaii, and Alaska, home of her favorite attraction – the Mendenhall Glacier. Barry passed away in 2015, after 52 years of marriage.

Known fondly in her community as the "Candy Lady of Harrisburg," Joan had a particular fondness for sweets, especially butterscotch candy and vanilla ice cream. Her love for animals, especially cats, was only matched by her passion for reading from the Psalms and Proverbs and enjoying the heartfelt melodies of John Denver.

Mostly, Joan cherished spending time with family and enjoyed visits from her nieces, nephews, and cousins. With a love-language of giving gifts, no one ever left her home empty-handed.

She is survived by her niece and nephews and their families, her cousins, and her church family.

Services will be held 11:00 Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at her church, 1211 Fairmont Drive, Harrisburg, with the Rev. G. David Tressler, her pastor, officiating. There will be a time of visitation from 10:00 am until 11:00 am. Burial beside her husband will take place at Sunnyside Cemetery in York Springs.

Contributions in her memory may be made to her church, 1211 Fairmont Drive, Harrisburg, 17112 or to the Bird TLC, 15510 Old Seward Highway, Anchorage, AK, 99516.

Those attending the service are encouraged to wear pink, Joan’s favorite color.

Kimmel Funeral Home, Harrisburg, is handling arrangements.