Joann L (Kiefer) Marnell

Joann L. Marnell, 73, of Exeter Township, passed away in the morning hours Thursday, March 5, 2026, at Complete Care at Berkshire. She was the wife of Joseph “Joe” MP Marnell, Jr.. Born Saturday, September 27, 1952, in New York, NY, she was a daughter of the late Joseph F. & Ann Kiefer, née Neuberger. Joann was raised in rural Albany County, NY alongside her five siblings. Joann graduated from Berne Knox High School in 1970. She later received her associates degree from Columbia Greene Community College and a dental assistant certification. On December 29, 1973 Joann married Joe Marnell. They remained married for fifty two years. Together, Joe and Joann lived in Rochester, NY then moved to Buffalo, NY where both of their children, Patrick and Colleen were born. They would move briefly to Ohio before settling down and making a home in Reading, PA. Joann worked various jobs over the years but her main focus was the care of her children until, according to her, her greatest joys arrived: her two grandsons, Sheamus and Nolan. Joann took great joy in spending time and being involved in her grandsons' lives. Joe and Joann had the opportunity to travel extensively, from China and Japan, to Ireland, the UK, Italy, and Germany, to all over the Caribbean. Joann always had a keen interest in talking to people from around the world and learning about their lives. Joann was an active member, along with her husband, of the Evergreen German Club and the Reading Liederkranz. Joann spent many hours volunteering at each club and made lifelong friends there. In addition to her husband she is survived by her children: Patrick J. (Melissa) Marnell & Colleen A. (James) Breen; her grandsons: Sheamus & Nolan Breen; and by her siblings: Joseph (Amy) Kiefer, Louise (Shura) Karzynow, Thomas Kiefer, James (Julie) Kiefer, & William (Eileen) Kiefer. A Memorial Mass will be Celebrated Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 10 AM from her parish: St. Catherine of Siena RCC, 4975 Boyertown Pike, Reading, PA  19606.  Interment will be private in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Cleveland, NY.  Relatives and friends may visit with the family Thursday, from 9 AM until time of Mass at the church. The Mull Funeral Home, Womelsdorf, has charge.  www.mullfh.com

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