Joan Elaine Sala

Joan Elaine Sala, age 87, widow of Marlin W. Sala of Gilbertsville, passed away on Monday, March 16, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her family. She was born in Johnstown, PA, the daughter of the late Beulah S. (Eash) and Owen D. Hershberger.

Joan earned her master’s degree in education, reflecting her deep commitment to learning and teaching. Throughout her career, she devoted herself to educating children, primarily teaching third and fourth grades. Joan’s teaching journey included positions at Quakertown Christian School, as well as schools in Savage, MD, and Bedford Heights, OH. Later in her career, she served as a teacher for Phoenixville Elementary and a substitute teacher for the Boyertown Area School District, continuing to inspire and support students in various communities.

Joan was a devoted and longtime member of Boyertown Mennonite Church, now known as 242 Community Church. Her service to the church was extensive and heartfelt. She served as a Deaconess and took on leadership roles as both a Sunday school teacher and superintendent. Joan also dedicated her time to the church’s vacation Bible school, acting as both a teacher and superintendent. In addition, she contributed as the past secretary for the church’s quilting group and faithfully served as the head librarian since 1969. Beyond her responsibilities within the church, Joan remained active in supporting others through her involvement with The Women, Friends Miles Apart (MAMA) Project and Mennonite Central Committee (MCC).

Joan Elaine Sala is survived by her two sons: Ronald W. Sala and his wife, ReBecca, of Stamford, Connecticut, and Gregory L. Sala of Gilbertsville. She is also survived by her siblings: David Hershberger and his wife, Sarah, of Perkiomenville; Joyce Horner and her husband, Jack, of Davidsville; and Dennis Hershberger and his wife, Lorraine, of Schwenksville. In addition, Joan is remembered by her sister-in-law, Joan Hershberger, of Eureka, Illinois, and her brother-in-law, Robert Seager, of Belleville.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Dwight Hershberger; her sister, Janice Seager; and her brother-in-law, Warren Davidhizar.

Relatives and friends are invited to a visitation at 242 Community Church, 275 Mill Street, Boyertown, on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, from 9:00 to 11:00 AM. The

funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM, with interment at the same location. All are welcome to pay their respects and honor Joan’s life.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made in Joan’s memory to the Library of 242 Community Church, www.242cc.org, or to the Mennonite Central Committee, located at 21 South 12th St., Akron, PA 17501-0500, www.mcc.org. These contributions will honor Joan’s lifelong dedication to education, faith, and service to her community.

Arrangements by the Linwood W. Ott Funeral Home, Inc. 111 North Reading Ave. Boyertown, PA. 19512 Online condolences may be made at www.lwottfuneralhome.com.