Joan L. Bartels, retired nurse

Joan L. Bartels, 71, of Selbyville, formerly of Westminster, Md., passed away Friday, Nov. 23, 2018, in Pasadena, Md., after a five-year journey with cancer.

She was born in Baltimore, Md., Oct. 15, 1947, daughter of the late Joseph and Mabel Hlafka. Joan was an extremely loving and supportive wife, mother and friend.  Joan became a registered nurse, serving as a labor and delivery nurse and supporting women’s health at St. Agnes Hospital in Baltimore for 25 years, and also at Beebe Hospital in Lewes for 10 years before retiring in 2012. 

Joan was a faithful member and volunteer at St. Ann Catholic Church in Bethany Beach.  She enjoyed going to the beach, gardening, doing puzzles and enjoying anything chocolate.  Her true love was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, as her world seemed to revolve around them. She was always looking forward to the next visit from friends and family. Her laughter was contagious. 

She is survived by her loving husband of 49 years, Wilbur C. Bartels, retired Baltimore City police officer; two daughters, Laura Goldsborough and her husband Scott of Western Springs, Ill., and Heather Bartels and her partner Chris Clark of Jamaica, Vt.; two grandchildren, Nathen Goldsborough and Ruby Hallenbeck; two sisters, Mary Russell and her husband Jay of Columbia, Md., and Betty Annulis and her husband Tom of Arbutus, Md.; a brother, Steve Hlafka and his wife Paulette of Eldersburg, Md.; and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.  

A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 1, at the Ocean View Chapel of Melson Funeral Services, 38040 Muddy Neck Road, Ocean View, where a prayer service will begin at 3 p.m.  Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in Joan’s name to the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance by visiting www.ocrahope.org

Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.melsonfuneralservices.com.