Mrs. Joan Hartzel LaBlanc, age 96, of Bolivia, N.C., passed away on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. A long time resident of Virginia’s Eastern Shore, Joan was born Oct. 12, 1929, in Philadelphia, Pa., the daughter of the late Francis Wilbur and Elva Bernice Stevenson Hartzel.
She was an extraordinary woman of many talents, a wonderful mother, a super grandmother, and a loving great-grandmother. Joan was a true Renaissance woman — an artist, author, and musician. She was a positive influence on all around her.
As a world traveler she toured Australia, New Zealand, China, France, England, and Ireland and cruised to multiple ports over the years. A strong willed and determined person, she never shied away from speaking her mind, always leaving an impression no matter the location or situation.
She was an active member of Saint George’s Episcopal Church in Pungoteague.
She was predeceased by her infant daughter, Wendy Iobst; her son, Robert Iobst; her younger brother, Robert Hartzel; and three former husbands.
Survivors include her two sons, David Iobst and his wife, Susan, of Bolivia, N.C., and Richard Iobst and his wife, Cynthia, of Craddockville; her daughter, Barbara Gonda, of Australia; five grandchildren, Alison Iobst, Cole Iobst, Darby Gonda, Rachel Norman, and Erin Preindl; and two great-grandchildren, Rebecca Iobst and Nina Joan Preindl.
Joan lived life on her own terms and never failed to share her wisdom until the Lord called her home.
