Jeannette W. Kirchner, 96

November 10, 1927 - June 18, 2024

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Jeannette Weiss Kirchner at the age of 96 on June 18, 2024, in the care of Hamilton Arms Center. Born in Lancaster on November 10, 1927, she was the daughter of Carl J. and Lena (Engelfried) Weiss. She shared over 44 years of love, memories, and marriage with Michael P. Kirchner until his passing in 2009.

Jeannette was a woman of poise who dedicated her life to her family and her faith. She worked in her father’s tailor shop for many years and was then employed by the Watt & Shand department store before becoming a homemaker upon the birth of her son. A lifelong Catholic, she was a 1946 graduate of Sacred Heart Academy, and a long-time member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church where she and Michael were wed in May 1965. Later they transitioned to and were founding members of St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church. She participated in the Ladies Auxiliary, Guys & Dolls, the Mercy Committee, and wrote many of the remembrance cards to parishioners and their families.

Along with her husband and son, she worked many years at election polls, where she enjoyed seeing neighbors.

She was a member of the Lancaster Hiking Club, The Red Hat Society (Classy Cardinals chapter), and the Centerville AARP Chapter #4221. She found great joy attending bus trips and visiting casinos. She enjoyed listening to Lawrence Welk, and in her youth was an active bowler where she earned the nickname “The Flying Angel”. She was blessed with a natural, beautiful smile, a lifelong point of pride for her. Her playful, lighthearted spirit will be missed.

Jeannette is survived by her devoted son Michael C. Kirchner of Lancaster, a sister Theresa (Weiss) Duvall Turner of Elizabethtown, as well as nephews and niece, James Duvall, Stephen Duvall, and Jeanne Duvall. She was preceded in passing by her parents and her husband.

The family will receive guests at a viewing on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at the Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home, 414 E. King St. Lancaster, PA from 6-7:30 PM with Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church, 2111 Millersville Pike, Lancaster, PA 17603, at 11 AM with Rev. Lawrence Sherdel as celebrant. A viewing will be held at the church from 10 AM until Mass. Interment to follow at St. Joseph New Catholic Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Jeannette’s name may be made to St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church at the address above. Her family would like to thank the staffs of Evergreen Estates Retirement Community, Hamilton Arms Center, and Grane Hospice Care for their unwavering care of and compassion for Jeannette over the years.

Watch the tribute video