Joyce Arlene Schelly, 90, a nurse and lifelong Lehigh Valley resident, died June 22, 2022, in Fellowship Manor, Whitehall.

Born Dec. 1, 1931, in Fogelsville, she was a daughter of the late Annie (Holben) and Franklin Schaffer.

She graduated from Allentown High School in 1949 and the former Allentown Hospital School of Nursing in 1952.

She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from East Stroudsburg University in 1962.

She started in family practice nursing, excelled in operating room nursing, and was employed by the Allentown School District for 35 years, nursing at levels from kindergarten to high school.

An active member of Jordan United Church of Christ, South Whitehall, she served as deacon, elder and a shut-in visitor.

She applied her nursing skills, along with her love of the outdoors, to serve as Girl Scout camp nurse in the Poconos, Colorado Rockies, Sierra Nevada mountains and the Adirondacks, sharing the experience with her daughters.

An avid quilter and gardener, she was involved in the Lehigh Valley Historical Society, along with many activities related to the Pennsylvania Dutch culture.

Her love of travel took her to many parts of the world as she shared adventures with her family and friends.

She is survived by daughters Nancy Snyder and son-in-law the Honorable Donald Snyder of Orefield and Jane Schelly of Spokane, Wash.; grandchildren Schelly Harrison and Sean Snyder; three great-grandchildren; siblings the Rev. Franklin Schaffer, Larry Schaffer and Terry Schaffer.

She was predeceased by her husband, Jim, in 1997, and siblings Hope Hopper, Norman Schaffer and Robert Schaffer.

Condolences may be offered to the family at kellerfuneralhomes.com.

A memorial service will be held in November.

The family requests memorial contributions be made to the Parkland Community Library or to the Lehigh County Historical Society, both in c/o the funeral home, P.O. Box 52, Fogelsville, PA 18051.

Arrangements made by Keller Funeral Home Inc., Fogelsville.