Joan (DeCooman) Tewell

Joan (DeCooman) Tewell, age 91, of Mechanicsburg, died on Tuesday, June 23, 2026. Joan was born on Saturday, June 30, 1934, in Langdondale, PA, to the late John B. DeCooman and Marie L. Shinn. Joan was the widow of Richard W. Tewell, whom she married on November 23, 1957, and who died on August 24, 2001. In addition to her parents and husband, Joan is preceded in death by her brother, Donald DeCooman.

Joan’s survivors include her five children: Debra Valentine and her husband Dennis of Mechanicsburg, PA, Dennis Tewell and his wife Brenda of Mechanicsburg, PA, Richard Tewell of Mechanicsburg, PA, Terry Tewell and his wife Bonnie of Brandon, FL, Sharon John and her husband Richard of Halifax, PA; her 11 grandchildren; her 13 great-grandchildren; and her 4 siblings (Raymond Lee DeCooman, Louis Joseph DeCooman, William DeCooman and Linda Decooman-Suter) as well as several nieces and nephews.

Joan graduated from Everett Area High School. She was a homemaker and a proud Air Force wife. Joan was a longtime member of Shepherdstown United Methodist Church. She served in several ministries at church, but her favorite was making eggs for Easter. Joan was a doting mother and grandmother who loved attending her family’s plays, musical performances, and sporting events. She travelled extensively, with her most memorable destination being the Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs. Joan enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. While she enjoyed tasting pizza, she was known for making her famous Christmas cookies, which have stayed a crowd favorite. Joan will be dearly missed by those who were fortunate enough to have known her.

All are welcome to join Joan’s family at the visitation on Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:30 a.m. at Buhrig Funeral & Cremation, 37 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055; with Pastor Tom Willard officiating. Burial will follow the service in Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Mechanicsburg. Joan’s family invites everyone to join them for a time of food and fellowship at Buhrig’s Gathering Place (next to the funeral home) immediately following the burial.

Contributions in celebration of Joan’s life can be made to Serenity Hospice PA.

Joan’s family has entrusted her care to Buhrig Funeral & Cremation in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421. View her memorial video, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle, and sign her official guest book by visiting Buhrig.com.