Joan H. (Heppelle) Kretschmar

Joan Harriet (Heppelle) Kretschmar 85, passed away peacefully in her sleep on April 21, 2018 at home. Born in Ware, MA to the late Edmond and Bessie (Haynes) Heppelle, she was a lifelong Springfield resident. Before retirement, she worked at STCC in the student’s computer lab. Joan was a member of Foster Memorial Church in Springfield where she enjoyed singing in the choir.  She moved to The Wellington of Springfield a few years ago and joined their singing group The Choraleers. She had a beautiful voice and was her happiest when she was singing. Joan took great pride in her family and enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren whenever possible.

She leaves her son Ronald Kretschmar and his wife Susan of Springfield. She also leaves three grandchildren;  Eric Kretschmar and his wife Nicole, Andrew Kretschmar and his wife Allison , and Christine ( Kretschmar ) Freiburger and her husband Brett. Joan adored her great-grandchildren Aidan and Ella Kretschmar and was looking forward to welcoming her third great grandchild later this Spring. She leaves her daughter-in-law Betty Ayres of Suffield, CT and  her sisters-in-law, Gail Kretschmar of PA and Lynda Christiansen of Mansfield, MA. as well as many nieces, nephews, other family members and friends. Joan also leaves her daughter-in-law Lani Kretschmar of Feeding Hills, MA. She was pre-deceased by her husband Richard Kretschmar in 2007 and her son Richard Kretschmar Jr. in 2016 as well as her brother George Heppelle and sister Martha Learned.   

Services will be held on THURSDAY, April 26, 2018 at Foster Memorial Church, 1791 Wilbraham Road., Springfield with visitation at church from 10:30-11:00 a.m. followed by a Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. A committal service will follow at the MA Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Agawam, MA at 1:00 p.m. Nowak Funeral & Cremation Services is entrusted with arrangements.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the nurses and caregivers from The Wellington and Beacon Hospice for the compassionate care given to Joan.

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