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Joyce "JJ" Jane Steffen, 82, of Port Royal, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Sept. 5, 2024.
She is survived by her three children, Doug (Rona) Diffenderfer of Newport, Shelly (Jeff) Haines of Port Royal, and Christopher Diffenderfer of Port Royal. A step-son John (Jamie) Steffen of Newport, a step-daughter Stacey (Brandy) Steffen of Gettysburg. She is also survived by sisters Dorothy (Jack) Mellott of Mapleton Depot, Shirley Shields of Mill Creek, and Barbara (Raymond) Hockenberry of Huntingdon, a sister-in-law Mary Bowser of Mill Creek, surviving companion of Mary Shields, Judy. Also surviving are grandchildren, Joshua M. Diffenderfer of Mansfield Court, Connecticut, Hillary A. Haines of Harrisburg, great-grand- children Ethan J. Diffenderfer and Naomi Diffenderfer of Mansfield Court, Conn. As well as several step grandchildren and step great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack E. Steffen in 2010, and her parents Guy and Lavetta Bowser, sisters Violet Harris, Mary Shields, brother Guy Bowser, Jr. and grandson Cory A. Diffenderfer, granddaughter Tina Marie Haines.
Joyce worked at and retired from Locust Grove Nursing Home. She loved her job and all her patients she took care of. Her greatest joy in life besides her family was when she got her GED and her CNA certification. She loved her garden and everything about nature.
Earlier in life, she enjoyed traveling the country alongside her husband, Jack and family. She enjoyed several hobbies including making crafts, going to flea markets, feeding and watching birds, reading and sewing. Joyce also enjoyed going to casinos and was known for her luck at winning. In her later life she enjoyed gardening and spending time taking care of her flowers and vegetables. Joyce recently started creating monarch butterfly sanctuaries with her son, Chris and they enjoyed watching the process and releasing the butterflies back into nature.
Joyce loved her family and friends, and every moment spent with them was precious to her. She knew the Lord and was at peace to know she had a much more beautiful place to go where her loved ones would be waiting for her. Her presence will be felt as she watches over us and we continue to share the memories of her love and life.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024 at 11 a.m. at New Beginnings Church, 2118 Spruce Hill Road, Port Royal, with Rev. Frank Swartz officiating. A visitation will be held Friday at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at 11 a.m. Interment will be private and held at the convenience of the family.
Memorial donations in Mrs. Steffen's memory may be made to New Beginnings Church, 2118 Spruce Hill Road, Port Royal, PA 17082 or to Lewistown Home Health & Hospice, 152 Market Street, Suite 107, Lewistown, PA 17044.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Homes, Inc., 100 Bridge Street, Mifflintown.
Online condolences and tributes can be shared with the family at www.brownfuneralhomesinc.com.