Joan Marie Inshetski

Joan Marie Inshetski (Lesnefsky), 88, passed away on February 19, 2025, and was called home to be with her heavenly Father, as well as her beloved sons Edward and Mark. She passed peacefully while under hospice care at Keystone Villa in Ephrata, PA, surrounded by her devoted husband and family.

Born on April 25, 1936, she resided in Jessup,PA. Joan was the daughter of the late Walter and Mary Lesnefsky (Muchinsky). She graduated from Olyphant High School in 1953.

Joan’s love story with her husband, Edward T. Inshetski, began with a heartfelt long-distance relationship, culminating in their marriage on August 14, 1959. She left her hometown with nothing but the clothes on her back and a heart full of love, starting a new chapter of her life in Lancaster. Together, they built a family of six children, embracing many others along the way—creating a close-knit family of “aunts” and “uncles” who often found refuge within their welcoming home. Family gatherings were always open to all who wished to join in the warmth of food, fellowship, and tradition, and those memories will remain in all of their hearts forever.

Joan was not only a remarkable mother but also an extraordinary mother-in-law, sister, friend, and grandmother to her grandchildren, grandpuppies and kitties. Her presence was constant, her prayers unwavering. She played an integral role in shaping the lives of her grandchildren, leaving a lasting impact that will forever be cherished. Joan embodied unconditional love, acceptance, and kindness, and she was rarely without a smile or laughter. Her greatest joy was being surrounded by her family.

A devout Catholic, Joan dedicated much of her time to volunteering within her church. Her fierce devotion to prayer, particularly her deep connection with Mother Mary, brought comfort and hope to those around her. Her family always felt that Joan’s prayers were special, helping them navigate life’s challenges with faith.

Joan retired from RCA (Burle) in 2008 but continued working as a house cleaner to help raise her grandchildren, selflessly freeing up time to care for those she loved.

Joan is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, Edward T. Inshetski; her daughter Donna (wife of John Wojtowicz); daughter Susan (wife of Tim Martin); son Robert Inshetski (husband to Jason Tafoya); and son Michael Inshetski (husband to Allyson Lee). She is also survived by her grandchildren: Janelle Root (daughter of Donna and John Wojtowicz), Samantha Martin, Joshua Martin, and Zachary Martin (children of Susan and Tim Martin), Suzanne Kreitzer (daughter of Edward Inshetski); brothers, Walter Lesnefsky from Olyphant PA (husband to Delores); Michael Lesnefsky from Olyphant PA; John Lesnefsky from Seaford DE (husband to Patricia); Robert Lesnefky from Hamburg PA (husband to Carol); Frank Lesnefsky from Scranton PA (husband to Susan) And preceded in death by brother Joseph Lesnefsky (husband to the late Evelyn), and her grandpup Bugsy (granddog of Michael and Allyson Inshetski). Joan was preceded in death by her son Edward Inshetski, who passed in 2022 at the age of 61, and by her son Mark Inshetski, who passed in 1968 at just five days old.

Joan’s legacy of love, faith, and joy will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

A celebration of life and Catholic mass will be held at Our Mother of Perpetual Help Church, 320 Church Ave, Ephrata PA 17522 on Tuesday February 25, 2025 at 11 am . Condolences can be shared with Edward Inshetski at Keystone Villa 100 N State St, Ephrata PA 17522.