Joanne Elizabeth (Larkin) Bienz

Obituary Joanne E. Bienz

Joanne Elizabeth (Larkin) Bienz, age 82, of Melanie Hollow Lane, Fredericksburg, VA, died unexpectedly, Monday, December 19, 2022 at Commonwealth Senior Living of Fredericksburg, VA.  A daughter of the late Charles & LaJune (Sexton) Larkin, she was born on March 16, 1940 in Benezett, PA.

Joanne is survived by: two children, Mark (Rachelle) Bienz of Fredericksburg, VA and Thomas Bienz of King George, VA; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; a brother, John Larkin of Niceville, FL; and two sisters, Darlene Gaborek of Benezett, PA and Judy (Harry) McGarry of Curwensville, PA.

Besides her parents, Joanne was preceded in death by: four brothers, Charles, David, Robert & Richard Larkin; four sisters, Marlene Murphy, Joyce Milkovich, Betty Showers & Beverly Rishel.

After Joanne graduated from Benezett High School, she left home in 1959, and moved to Washington, DC, working for the telephone company.  Joanne then moved to Locust Grove, VA in 1964, and then to Fredericksburg, VA in 1974 working as Waitress, and Manager at the Sheraton Inn for almost 20 years.  She also worked part-time as a Security Guard and Private Investigator during this time.  She attended and graduated from Computer Learning Center, in Springfield, VA for Computer Programming in 1980.  In 1985, Joanne accepted a position with the Department of Navy in Washington, DC, as an Administrative Assistance for 25 years, retiring at the age of 70.

Joanne loved animals, of all sorts and many times would travel and visit friend and relatives, bringing with her one (or more) of her beloved pets.  She also loved her family, especially her mother, siblings (Joanne was born 8th in a family of 12 children), her sons, and her grandchildren.  She loved people too, and was always willing to help anyone, anyway she could.

There will be no public visitation.  The family will be receiving friends on Saturday, January 7, 2023 from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m., at the Benezette United Methodist Church.

Funeral Services will be held, 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 7, 2023 at the Benezette United Methodist Church in Benezette, PA, with Pastor Missy Smith.

Interment will take place in the Mount Zion Cemetery, Weedville, PA

The family suggests memorials to the Alzheimer’s Association; https://www.alz.org/centralnewyork/donate/tribute_gifts and will be accepting online condolences at the Ralph M. Geer Funeral Home website - www.nedzafamilyfuneralhomes.com.