Alfreda Joanne Appel

Alfreda Joanne Appel (nee L'Altrelli) passed away peacefully in her sleep on Monday, December 4, 2023, in her home of 52 years in Rockville, MD, where she lived with her devoted husband of 54 years Robert Lester Appel. Alfreda went by her middle name, Joanne, most of her life. She is survived by her husband Robert, oldest son, Brian Appel, younger son, Christopher Appel, daughter-in-law, Sarah Klein, and granddaughter, Ella as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Joanne described herself as a “small town lady at heart.” She grew up in Brownsville, PA, where her mother worked as a hair dresser and her father held a state job while pursing a career as an artist. Joanne pushed forward to be the first in her family to graduate college, earning a bachelors degree in Education from the University of California in Pennsylvania. Then seeking more education and adventure, Joanne ventured south to Maryland while still remaining close to her Pennsylvania roots. In Maryland, she earned her Masters in Education from the University of Maryland at College Park. Joanne spent her entire 30-year career in special education working in the Prince George's County public school system. She began her career as a special education teacher and went on to hold various positions, including principal of a special education center and later a high-ranking school administrator alongside the County Superintendent.

It is no surprise that her devotion to helping others translated to her family. Joanne was a loving and patient mother who made raising her two sons the priority in her life. She was always encouraging “her boys” to strive for excellence academically, a goal she undoubtedly accomplished given that both her sons graduated at the top of their high school classes and went on to prestigious colleges and graduate programs.

Joanne had an outgoing personality that made making friends easy. She cultivated friendships in all stages of her life and was active in a variety of women's clubs, community groups, charities, and other organizations.

Later in life, a series of major health issues affected Joanne’s mind and body, but not her spirit. She constantly pushed forward to overcome her ailments with a positive attitude, maintaining humor and grace until the end.

Joanne joins her sister, Julietta Finfrock (nee L'Altrelli), brother, Alfred L'Altrelli, and parents, Alfred L'Altrelli and Agnes Waugh (nee McDonough), in eternal rest.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the American Heart Association https://www.heart.org or Operation Smile https://www.operationsmile.org

Funeral home arrangements are coordinated through the De Vol Funeral Home at 10 E. Deer Park Dr., Gaithersburg, MD 20877, with viewing hours from 1PM to 4PM on Sunday, December 10, 2023.

A mass will be held at 11AM on Monday, December 11, 2023, at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church at 15663 Norbeck Blvd, Silver Spring, MD 20906, followed by a burial service in All Souls Cemetery at 11401 Brink Rd, Germantown, MD 20876.