Joan R. Henderson, 73

November 11, 2015

Joan R. Henderson, 73, of Lancaster, PA died unexpectedly November 11, 2015 at home. Her loss is our loss, for Lancaster has greatly benefitted from her involvement.

Born in Dunedin, FL she was the daughter of the late Howard Lee and Marion Lucille (Booth) Rousseau.

Joan’s contributions to the community professionally and as a volunteer were extraordinary. Learning from her time with the Junior League, she began her own business focused on planning events and fund raising. She organized the bicentennial celebration at Franklin and Marshall as well as the 250th celebration for the city of Lancaster. During this time, she was instrumental in the growth of the South East Area Health services.

Active in the Girl Scouts organization, Joan served as president of the board of the Penn Laurel Council and later became a member of the National Board. Also active in The United Way, Joan chaired the board and was awarded the Tom Bamford Volunteer of the Year. She was the co-founder of the Women’s Council of the United Way. Earlier, Joan chaired an annual book sale for the benefit of the Lancaster Library, and served on the library board. Her talents were recognized throughout the community, and she went on to found the Housing Opportunity Partnership, consulted with the Spanish American Civic Association, and helped the Puerto Rican Center to raise funds. She received the Harry C. Robinson Sr. Humanitarian Award from the Lancaster County Human Relations Commission for promoting goodwill and harmony throughout city and county. She began a group called the Women of Distinction and was awarded the Woman of Distinction herself. Joan also chaired the Hourglass Foundation, a think tank focused on effective growth management in Lancaster.

Most of all, Joan was devoted to her family, and she leaves behind her daughters Paige Henderson and Kim Gustafson, and a nephew Forrest Lance Rousseau. Her beloved husband Bob predeceased her in 2006. She was also preceded in death by her brother Carl Howard Rousseau. Her garden was her passion and her kitchen a favorite place to be. In her welcoming home, she entertained her many friends whom she met as she worked in the community.

A Celebration of her Life will be held on Monday, December 14, 2015 at 11AM from the Charles F. Snyder, Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike Lititz, PA 17543 with Pastor Mark Thiboldeaux officiating.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Girl Scouts of the USA, 420 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10018-2798 and/or to Planned Parenthood Federation of America/Pennsylvania Advocates, 1514 North Second St. Harrisburg, PA 17102.