Joan Mae Billingham

Joan Mae Billingham passed away on Monday, October 12, 2015 at her residence in Etters, PA. She was 80 years of age. Born in Philadelphia, she was the daughter of the late Harry and Violet Lapinski Rothkegel. Joan had lived with her son Robert for the last 5 years in Etters and previously lived in Huntingdon Valley for 40 years.

Mrs. Billingham was a professional singer; she performed under the stage name of Joanie Rodgers, accompanied by her husband Fred Billingham in both a quartet (throughout the 50’s, 60’s and 70s) and later as a duo with Fred. Mrs. Billingham performed with the USO, supporting the troops during the Korean War and toured alongside Bob Hope. Joan and Fred also performed in Las Vegas during the height of the rat-pack era, at one point earning top billing at the Riviera.

Joan was the beloved wife of Fred Billingham for 27 years before his death in 1990. She was the devoted mother of Robert Billingham (Stacy) of Etters and Elizabeth Brooks (Keith). She was the loving grandmother of Lauren and Kyle Brooks; great grandmother of Dylan, Kaylee, and Faith Brooks.

Relatives and friends are invited to her Memorial Service at 11 AM on Monday, October 19th at the Redemption Episcopal Church, 1101 2nd St Pike, Southampton, PA 18966.