Joan Annetta (Gardner) Dutt, 90, of Temple, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 12, 2026, at Tower Health–Reading Hospital.
Born August 26, 1935, in Muhlenberg Township, she was a daughter of the late Paul S. and Helen E. (Endy) Gardner.
Joan was the widow of Alfred G. Dutt, who passed away on January 2, 2004. She also shared many happy years with her companion, Barry Lee Henry, until his passing.
Joan devoted her career to the candy industry, working 18 years for Schrafft Candy Company and an additional 24 years for Palmer Candy Company, both in West Reading. She retired in 2006 after more than four decades of dedicated service as a candy packer.
She was a member of West Lawn United Methodist Church.
Joan enjoyed an active social life. She loved dancing, especially country western dancing, bowling, gardening, and visiting casinos. More than anything, she cherished attending the sporting events, school activities, and special occasions of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, always taking great pride in their accomplishments.
She was a member of the Country Western Dancers of Reading, Shoemakersville Fire Company, Shoemakersville Senior Citizens, People Over 50, Muhlenberg Township, Laureldale Senior Citizens, and the Northmont Fellowship Association.
Surviving are her four children: Michael A. Dutt, husband of Linda K. (Kercher), of Cumru Township; Randall G. Dutt, husband of Michele L. (Hoffer), of Muhlenberg Township; James P. Dutt, partner of Linda Roy, of Ontelaunee Township; and Kathleen J. (Dutt) Gallagher, fiancée of Scott Hart, of Lower Heidelberg Township.
Other survivors include her eight grandchildren: Jennifer (Dutt) Milner, wife of Graham; Angelique F. (Smith), wife of Christopher Farrell, Brian R. Dutt, Eric M. Dutt, husband of Sara (Butsavage), Jason M. Dutt, husband of Corinne (Mays), Megan L. (Dutt), wife of Michael Normand, Andrew J. Dutt, husband of Melissa (Fisk), and Sara K. Dutt. There are also 14 great grandchildren: Hunter, Blake, Madison, Nolan, Lucas, Emerson, Owen, Landon, Conlin, Jaxton, Annelise, Logan, Nathaniel, Lisa, and Brennan.
In addition, she is survived by her sister, Ruth H. (Gardner) Levan of Temple.
In addition to her husband, companion, and parents, Joan was predeceased by her siblings, Ardelle A. Hart, Jack P. Gardner, Earl P. Gardner, Paul C. Gardner, and Doris M. Weinman.
A funeral service will be held Monday, July 20, 2026 at 11 a.m. at Stitzel Family Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc., Laureldale. A viewing will be held from 10-11 a.m. Burial will follow in Forest Hills Memorial Park, Reiffton.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: Berks Encore, 40 N. 9th Street, Reading, PA 19601.
Stitzel Family Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc., Laureldale is in charge of arrangements. For online condolences, visit www.StitzelFamilyFuneralHomes.com.
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