Joan Seidel

Joan Theresa Seidel, 87, of Derby, formerly of Ark City, passed away Sunday, January 22nd, 2023. Born November 10th, 1935 in Bronx, NY, she was the daughter of the late Thomas and Annie (Egan) Hopley.

Joan was preceded in death by the love of her life, her husband, William (Bill), and brother, Thomas Hopley.

Bill and Joan were married January 27, 1957. They lived in New York and New England for many years before finding their forever home In Ark City nearly 40 years ago. They had five children: Thomas (Joyce) Seidel of Ark City, Susan (Michael) Marchand of Derby, William Seidel of Puerto Vallarta Mexico, Janet (Bobby Wood) Seidel of Northampton MA, Marie (Ed) Aube of Hellertown PA; four grandchildren, Shelley Wesseler, Joshua Seidel, Shawn Marchand, Casey Louiselle; four great-grandchildren, Layla, Arizona, Stratton, Liam, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family. She is also survived by her sister and best friend Judith Hellman

Joan, known as Gram to most, had a true love for life. She greeted everyone with a warm smile and a bear hug; her laugh was contagious. Joan loved to travel and was an avid bowler and bridge player. She was a long time volunteer at the Ark City Hospital and a Sorority Sister. She loved music and loved to sing and regularly attended Bluegrass Festivals with her wide circle of friends. Joan loved without limits and was warm and welcoming to everyone she met - there were no strangers in her life, only friends she had yet to meet.

Visitations are Thursday, January 26th, 2023, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm and 6:00 to 8:00 pm both at Smith Family Mortuary, 1415 North Rock Road Derby, Kansas 67037. Funeral Service is 10:00 am, Friday, January 27th, 2023 at St. Mary Catholic Church 2300 E. Meadowlark Derby, KS 67037. Interment to follow at Tannehill Cemetery, Arkansas City, KS.

Memorial contributions may be made to Good Shepherd Hospice, 7829 E Rockhill St, S-403, Wichita, KS 67206, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 and Alzheimer's Association, 1820 E Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS 67214.