Joan M. Arnold, 88, of Lebanon, passed away Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at Neffsville Nursing and Rehabilitation in Lancaster.

Born in Lebanon, Pa. on December 15, 1935, Joan was one of the thirteen children of the late Reuben and Helen (Folmer) Arnold and was a lifelong member of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary church in Lebanon.

Growing up, Joan attended Lebanon Catholic High School alongside her 12 siblings, and put her diploma to work at Bayer Corporation, from where she retired. Throughout her 88 years, Joan's faith remained her cornerstone. She regularly attended Mass, and supported St. Mary's & the rest of the Lebanon County Catholic churches as best she could. Whether it was working the kitchen at the Friday Fish Fries, attending Christmas bazaars, or just spending time visiting with fellow congregants, these are the moments that brought great joy to her life. Joan was also a fantastic supporter of Lebanon Catholic and later, Our Lady of the Cross. You could often find Joan collecting tickets in the lobby before a basketball game, helping to promote the tees shirt sale celebrating the Beavers' latest District Championship, and even attending the graduation ceremonies of her many nieces, nephews, and family friends. The students became her "kids" and she was always so proud of them - in the classroom, on the court or field, or in the church.

Outside of participating in and supporting the many events of her church and school, Joan had many opportunities to make friends in her community. Many will remember Joan's smiling face from her many years serving the customers at Fresh Doughnuts. She often joked that the Fresh Doughnuts team was her 2nd family, and she dearly loved that family for making her feel so welcome for so many years. She also enjoyed her many, many workouts at the YMCA facility within the Lebanon VA. She loved going for swims, visiting with the friends she made there, and she credited her long years to being able to remain physically active.

In her later years, Joan became the primary caregiver for her older sister, Betty, who Joan cared for until Betty's death. It is just one example of the kindness and selflessness Joan displayed throughout her life. She was quick to make friends, quick to smile, quick with a joke, and quick to forgive. She'll be remembered for spreading joy and faith, and for always finding the silver lining, despite life's many obstacles.

Joan is survived by five sisters: Patricia Fleagle, Sr. Elizabeth Christi, Frances Mettley, Kathleen Snitzer, and Josie Arnold and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by two brothers, George and Raymond Arnold and five sisters: Rose Marie Arnold, Mary Elizabeth Arnold, Jeanette Schwartz, Theresa Hanner, and Barbara Hetrick.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, April 4, 2024 at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 2 N 8th St, Lebanon, PA 17046. A visitation will be held prior to Mass from 10-11 at the church. Interment will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery on Monday, May 20, 2024 at 10:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations in Joan's name may be made to Our Lady of the Cross School, 1691 Grace Ave, Lebanon, PA 17046. Thompson Funeral Home, Inc. is entrusted with the arrangements.  Please share your memories with the family at our online guest book at thompsonfuneralhomelebanon.com