Joanne Fairbank Unverzagt

Joanne F. Unverzagt, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.

(September 24, 1937 – April 17, 2025)
 

Joanne Fairbank Unverzagt born on September 24, 1937, passed from this life into glory and the waiting arms of her loving Heavenly Father on April 17, 2025. She is preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Robert Louis (Bob) Unverzagt, daughter Sandra Jo (Sandy) White, sister Margaret Louise (Peggy) Clark, brother James Gilman (Jim) Fairbank III, sister-in-law Jean (Unverzagt) White and her husband, Bruce.

Joanne was born in Baltimore, Maryland to James Gilman Fairbank II and Myrtle Almeric Jones. With siblings, Peggy and Jim, Joanne’s childhood was one of simple joys. She met her husband Bob, and it was love at first sight; they were married at 18 and 19 years of age, for 59 wonderful years together. Always looking to advance the cause of others, Joanne was employed at Bell Telephone so Bob could pursue seminary and the pastoral ministry. Her greatest achievement was the birth and life of a most beloved daughter, Sandy, whose life was tragically cut short by cancer at the age of 42.

Never willing to let the brokenness of life have the last word, Joanne stayed sweet and always positive, loving God and others as she accepted her lot from the Divine Hand. She had an active faith which found its most faithful expression alongside her husband in the service of six Presbyterian congregations until Bob’s retirement from ministry. Joanne and Bob put down roots at Derry Presbyterian Church in Hershey, PA and finished their ministry by being congregants themselves. After Bob’s passing, Joanne found enjoyment in the same things they once did together: the beauty of nature, time with family and friends, shopping, and dinners together, whether home or out.

Joanne is survived by her son-in-law, David White, and his wife, Jennifer, and their four children: Charis White and her fiancé Joel Hinkle, Sydney Goneau and her husband Caleb, Arwen, and W. Ransom White; brother-in-law, Christopher Schramm; niece, Lisa England (Clark), niece, Cindy (White), and her husband, Pete Bond; nephew, Eric White, and his wife, Laurie, and nephew, Ernie White, and his wife, Gina; and dear great nephews and nieces, and many loving friends. She will be deeply missed.

A memorial service will be held at 11 AM on Friday, April 25, 2025 at Springton Lake Presbyterian Church, 3090 S Newtown Street Road, Newtown Square, PA 19073

There will be a private internment.