Jane L. Poffenberger

Jane Lochbaum Poffenberger passed away peacefully in her home on June 13, 2024. She was the wife of Philip Linwood Poffenberger for 61 years, and was born to Charles (Locky) and Dolly White Lochbaum on January 22, 1933 in Hagerstown, MD. She met her high school sweetheart and love of her life at St. Paul's United Brethren Church, where she was a member of the choir, youth fellowship, and the Eastern Star. After graduating from Hagerstown High School in 1950 Jane went on to get her B.S. from Towson State Teachers College in 1954. She earned her Master's Equivalency in Education from Western Maryland College and W. Virginia University at Shepherd College. Jane married Phil on June 13, 1953, shortly before he shipped out to serve in the occupation troops in Germany. She finished her Bachelor's degree and boarded the next ship sailing to Europe to join her husband in 1954. Together they explored Western Europe whenever Phil could get leave - igniting a love of travel in both of them that shaped the rest of their lives together. Camping trips over the next 50 years would take the family all across the United States, Canada, and Western Europe. After returning to the States, Jane began teaching at Maugansville Elementary in 1955, until transferring to Paramount Elementary in 1962. In 1963, the couple moved to Stillwater, OK for Phil to get his Master's Degree in Counseling, and where their first child, Jade Lynn, was born. Sharyl Lynne followed in 1967 after their move back to Hagerstown. Jane returned to teaching when Shari started Kindergarten - first in Williamsport, and then at Salem Avenue Elementary until retirement in 1995. Jane and Phil joined First Christian Church under the Reverend Fred Harris, where Jane volunteered with Shepherds for 15 years. She was also a member of the Altar Guild and a mentor for MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers). Jane was preceded in death by her beloved Phil in 2014. She is survived by her children Jade Lynn Poffenberger of Hagerstown, MD and her adopted family of Cheyenne Harris (with Josh and the children), and Sharyl Lynne (Poffenberger) Klein with husband Gerhard Klein in Salzburg, Austria. She also leaves behind three Grandchildren with their families: Gerhard M. Klein (32), Daniela A.M. Milosavljevic (30) (with Nenad) and Great-Granddaughter Mia Eleonora, and Alexandra Jane Klein (27). Jane was the oldest of five siblings, and is also survived by: Beverly A. Brash of Toledo, OH, Charles A. (with Sue) Lochbaum of Bradenton, FL, Linda Messersmith of Joshua Tree, CA, and D. Alfreda Wishard of Williamsport, MD, along with many nieces and nephews. Memorial donations can be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, in memory of the youngsters she lost to cancer while teaching, or to First Christian Church in Hagerstown, MD. In typical Jane fashion, Mom wrote the above a few years ago. What she didn't know then was how many people would be involved in assuring she could spend her last days as she wished - at home. I want to thank Hospice of Washington County and Lori Schmidt with the wonderful women who work for her for making Mom's last year one filled with kindness, laughter, and love. - ShariA memorial service will be conducted on Saturday, October 5, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. at First Christian Church,1345 Potomac Ave., Hagerstown with Rev. Dr. James R. Brooks officiating.