F. Joan Clelan (nee Leaman), of Media PA, died peacefully surrounded by family on May 2,
2025, at the age of 92. For most of her life, she lived in Lancaster County, spending the last
9 years in Delaware County. Born in Lancaster, she was the daughter of the late Samuel
Robert and Verna Graver Kauffman Leaman. She was predeceased by her brother, Robert
Kent Leaman, and husbands Harold Greider Herr, and George Milton Clelan.
Joan was a woman of grace and talent who enriched the lives of many with her vibrant
personality and beaming smile. Her life was marked by a love of music and the arts. She
began playing piano at a young age, serving as church organist in high school. Her skill and
dedication to the piano brought her the privilege of training as a concert pianist under the
late Dr. Earle Echternach in Lancaster. Throughout her lifetime, she played piano and organ
at venues across the county, including on WLAN radio. For over 50 years, she taught piano
and organ to countless students of all ages.
Joan's ability to connect with others made her a natural fit for leadership in numerous
charitable and nonprofit organizations, primarily in the Ephrata area. She had a remarkable
talent for meeting people where they are and treating every one of them with respect. She
extended grace to all. Joan exuded sophistication and elegance in her appearance – she
enjoyed fashionable clothing and style. She had a wry sense of humor and enjoyed laughter,
playing pinochle, cooking, and the company of family and her many friends.
She was the mother of Jeffrey Bruce Herr (partner Julie Good Kruger), Kathleen Joan Herr,
Heidi Herr Kecskemethy (Thomas), and the late Stephen Robert Herr and William Harold
Herr. She was mother-in-law to Kathleen W. Herr, and stepmother of Kerry Jo Hurst (Barry),
Douglas Clelan (Phyllis), Polly Sue Gockley (Glenn), and Kirk Clelan (Amy). She was
grandmother of Christian Herr, Sarah Herr Gerhart, Jeffrey Herr, Andrew Herr, Alexander
Herr, Ellen Kecskemethy Tillman, Jill Kecskemethy Windle, and the late Daniel Herr. She is
also survived by 9 step-grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.
Joan was a member of the Swarthmore Presbyterian Church at 727 Harvard Avenue,
Swarthmore, PA 19081. A funeral service will be held there on May 16, 2025, at 1:30 pm.
Guests are invited to a reception following the service in Fellowship Hall. Memorial gifts may
be made to Swarthmore Presbyterian Church Music Fund or Mount Gretna Music
(www.gretnamusic.org).