CUMBERLAND – Joan Ruppert Lancaster, 98, of Cumberland, passed away on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, surrounded by her family.

Born April 24, 1925, in Cumberland, she was the daughter of the late Frederick Alphonsus Ruppert and Caroline Louise (Staarman) Ruppert. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, C. Arthur (Soupy) Lancaster, sisters Kathleen Mikowski and Angela Stroup, brothers Frederick Ruppert and Thomas Ruppert; she was the last surviving member of her immediate family.

Joan is survived by her children, JoEllen (Paul) Kline, Susan (Bill) Stakem, Elizabeth Greene, Laura (Rich Seybert) Lancaster, Maureen (Steve) Brooks, Angela (Mike) Fetchero, and Frederick (Laura Jean) Lancaster; grandchildren Edward Kline, Amy Terrones, Jim Kline, Jamie Stangel, Meghann McNamee, Michael Greene, George Greene, Sam Pearce, Ben Pearce, Christopher Brooks, Eva Asper, John Fetchero, Matthew Lancaster and Caroline Lancaster; step-grandchildren, Stephanie McIntyre and David Stakem; and 18 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Elaine Ruppert, several cousins, nieces, and nephews, and special friends Mike and Rita Pearce and Nikole Sensabaugh.

Joan was a graduate of Catholic Girls Central, and Catherman's Business School. She worked as a proofreader at the Cumberland Times News, where she met her husband, Soupy. While raising her family, Joan, a talented seamstress, worked for Burton's and Sears, and after retirement, continued to do alterations for many people, even those who wanted her to completely resize a garment.

On October 9, 2005, Joan was awarded the Archdiocese of Baltimore Medal of Honor for her service to the church. Joan was an active member of the Shrine of Saints Peter and Paul/ Our Lady of the Mountains Parish. She volunteered for many years for various parish activities, including the food pantry, and as a eucharistic minister. Along with her friends Betty Dyer and Mary Jo Prendergast, they started and managed the parish gift shop.

Joan was the matriarch of the family. She instilled love, faith, and perseverance in all of her children. Joan was witty and had a great sense of humor. She was not afraid to tell you how she felt but she always made sure to say "I love you." She enjoyed going to mass every Sunday, spending time with family and friends, watching Orioles baseball and football games, and going out - even if it was for a ride around the neighborhood. She made sure everyone had enough to eat when they came to visit, and she would always send you off with a wave at the door. Although we all miss her deeply, she is finally home with her husband, her four siblings, and her parents.

Friends will be received at the Scarpelli Funeral Home, P.A., 108 Virginia Avenue, Cumberland on June 2, 2023 from 5 pm to 7 pm.

A funeral mass will be held at the Shrine of Saints Peter and Paul on June 3, 2023 at 11:00 am.

Interment will be in the Saints Peter & Paul Parish Cemetery.

The family wishes to thank Beverly and Cheryl, Mom's helpers at home, and the staff at Devlin Manor for their excellent care and compassion in her final days.

In honor of Joan's memory, contributions may be sent to St. Anthony Place Food Pantry, 300 East Oldtown Rd. Cumberland, MD