Joann L. (née Kiefer) Marnell, of Exeter Township in Pennsylvania, was raised in the Helderberg Hilltowns. Her main focus was caring for her children until her greatest joy arrived — her two grandsons.

She died in the morning hours of Thursday, March 5, 2026, at Complete Care at Berkshire. She was 73.

She was the wife of Joseph “Joe” MP Marnell Jr.

Born Saturday, Sept. 27, 1952, in New York, New York, she was a daughter of the late Joseph F. and Ann (née Neuberger.) Kiefer.

“Joann was raised in rural Albany County, alongside her five siblings,” her family wrote in a tribute. “Joann graduated from Berne-Knox High School in 1970. She later received her associate’s degree from Columbia Greene Community College and a dental assistant certification.

“On Dec. 29, 1973 Joann married Joe Marnell. They remained married for 52 years. Together, Joe and Joann lived in Rochester, then moved to Buffalo, where both of their children, Patrick and Colleen, were born. They moved briefly to Ohio before settling down and making a home in Reading, Pennsylvania.

“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 United Kingdom, 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.

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Joann L. (née Kiefer) Marnell, is survived by her husband, Joseph MP Marnell Jr.; by her children, Patrick J. (Melissa) Marnell and Colleen A. (James) Breen; and by her grandsons, Sheamus and Nolan Breen.

She is also survived by her siblings, Joseph (Amy) Kiefer, Louise (Shura) Karzynow, Thomas Kiefer, James (Julie) Kiefer, and William (Eileen) Kiefer.