Joan Shames

Joan Shames, née Goldsmith, passed away peacefully on April 22, 2026, in Dresher, Pennsylvania, at the age of 89. An independent and artistic spirit, she lived a life defined by curiosity, creativity, and a love for her family and others.

Born in 1936 to Leo and Carol Goldsmith, Joan grew up in Forest Hills, New York. She graduated from Colby-Sawyer College in 1955 with an associate degree, and met and married Martin Shames in 1960. They soon had three children and moved from Hewlett, NY to Chicago and later the Philadelphia area, ultimately spending time in South Florida as well.

Along the way, Joan pursued a wide range of eclectic and entrepreneurial endeavors, including owning a book and card store, running a dating service, volunteering in hospitals, tutoring children, and opening her home to foster children. Wherever she lived—from Deerfield and Evanston, Illinois, to Jenkintown, Elkins Park, Center City Philadelphia, Chalfont and Dresher, Pennsylvania, and later Aventura and Hollywood, Florida—she left a distinct and memorable imprint, always looking to help others around her.

Joan was a talented painter and singer with a love of old show tunes, and an enthusiastic patron of the arts. She found joy in books, theater and movies, and was an avid traveler and photographer, always observing the world with a curious eye.

She had a gift for creating lively, memorable gatherings, especially in her younger years, and she took pride in hosting holidays, preparing beloved Passover Seders and Thanksgiving meals. Joan was also famously thrifty, never one for extravagance, approaching life with a down-to-earth sensibility. She also was an animal lover throughout her life, caring for her many pets, including Cookie and Pepper.

She is survived by her three children: Jonathan (Virginia) Shames of Great Falls, Virginia; Elisabeth (Lawrence) Grossman of Blue Bell, Pennsylvania; and Adam Shames of San Diego, California. She was a proud grandmother to Alyssa, Zachary (Francesca Gargano), Abigail (Douglas Weitzel), Samantha (Garrett Black), and Noah, and great-grandmother to Russell. She was predeceased by her husband, Martin Shames (2012), and her brother, Warren Goldsmith (2013).

Joan will be remembered as a loving, caring, and entirely her own person, never afraid to follow her own path.

Relatives and friends are invited to graveside services on Apr 24, 2026, 10:30AM at King David Memorial Park 3594 Bristol Rd., Bensalem, PA 19020. Shiva will be held immediately following the graveside service from 1pm-7pm on Friday at the Grossman residence.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to Meals on Wheels (www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org) or Planned Parenthood (www.weareplannedparenthoodaction.org)

Arrangements by Joseph Levine and Sons -- www.levinefuneral.com ---