Joan Carroll (Geltz) Mutschler

Joan Carroll Mutschler
1942 – 2025

 It is with deep sorrow that the family of Joan Carroll Mutschler announces her peaceful passing on November 16, 2025, at the age of 83. Joan was born in Finleyville, Pennsylvania, on June 27, 1942, to Charles Geltz and Lena (Palmieri) Geltz. She is preceded in death by her parents, her brother Theodore Geltz and her sister Trudy (Hensley) Geltz. 

Joan is survived by her son Chuck Mutschler and his wife Susan, her daughter Marcy Van de Meulebroecke and her husband Johan, and her daughter Shelley Davenport and her husband Chris as well as her brother, Carleton Geltz and his wife Cathy. She was a devoted and proud Nana to her many grandchildren: Alec, Nathan, and Cara Van de Meulebroecke; Madison, Evelyn, Max, and Vivian Davenport; and Summer, Jade, and Charlie Mutschler. Having ten grandchildren—and, as she joyfully told anyone who would listen, “two sets of triplets!”—was one of her greatest delights. Joan’s life was a testament to resilience, boundless energy, and unwavering love for her family.

After raising her 3 children, Joan went back to school to earn her bachelor’s degree at the University of Maryland. She enjoyed a long and fulfilling career with the National Security Agency, where she took particular pride in her work as an investigator. She loved to travel and was fortunate enough to see much of the world during her 83 years. Last year, she not only visited Alaska but took a helicopter ride to the top of a glacier. No small feat for someone who was afraid to fly! She loved being outdoors and was especially fond of boating with her friends and family. She enjoyed visiting her second home in The Villages, FL where she enjoyed her golf game and her new passion for Mahjong.

Joan will be remembered for her boundless zest for life, her joyful love of laughter and conversation, and the adventurous spirit that carried her through every chapter. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends.

A memorial service will be held at noon on Friday, November 28, 2025, at Galilee Lutheran Church in Pasadena, MD, with a reception to follow. In honor of Joan, those wishing to make a memorial contribution may direct their gifts to the American Cancer Society.