Joan C. Engelbrecht, 92, of Bethlehem, passed away Friday, April 24, 2026, in Moravian Village. Her husband of 64 years, The Rev. Robert F. Engelbrecht, died in 2020.

Born January 20, 1934, in Northampton, she was the daughter of the late Eschor and Sadie (Fleischman) Clewell. Joan graduated from Nazareth High school in 1950 and the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing in 1954. A caring, dedicated nurse, she was involved in many areas of healthcare including obstetrics, recovery room, camp nurse, and also as a volunteer. Joan lived a life defined by care for others and took deep pride in her role as a nurse, offering love, compassion, and support to those in need.

She married Robert F. Engelbrecht, on June 3, 1956, after he graduated from Moravian Seminary earlier that day. Their 64 years of married life took them to Altura, Minnesota, Philadelphia, Emmaus, and Bethlehem where they served Moravian churches and the communities that surrounded them. Joan and Bob were a multi-talented team and were well-respected in the community for their stained glass creations. Their artistic spirit blossomed over the years as they crafted glass Moravian couples and three dimensional stars which were copyrighted. Joan also enjoyed sewing, antiquing and weaving.

She will be lovingly missed by her daughter Jan (Thomas) Christensen, her son Jay (Liza) Engelbrecht; grandchildren Kristin (Christopher) Mann, Barton Wagner, William Christensen, Jana Christensen, Robert F. Engelbrecht II; and great-grandson James Mann. She was predeceased by a daughter Bobbi (James) Wagner and a grandson Matthew.

Services will be private at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her name may be sent to any food bank of donor's choice. She believed in feeding all people.