Former Neshaminy Music Teacher, Choir Director Passes Away

LANGHORNE, PA — A former music teacher and choir director, who taught at various Neshaminy School District classrooms, passed away on Monday, March 21.

Joan L. Franks, who taught music in the school district for a total of 42 years, passed away at the age of 91. She began her career in Neshaminy in 1951 and retired in 1998.

"We regret to announce the passing of Joan Franks, a retired Neshaminy music teacher, choir director, elementary school teacher, and major supporter of the Neshaminy football program," the school district said in a statement.

Born and raised in Minersville, PA, she attended Lebanon Valley College to study Music and Education in 1947. She later went on to obtain her Master's Degree in Education from Millersville State College.

Her first job in the Neshaminy School District came in 1951 when she began teaching music and directing the Choir at Neshaminy High School. It was at the high school where she met her future husband, Harry, who taught the Neshaminy Football team; she became known for feeding the players and washing and sewing their uniforms.

"She is a member of the Neshaminy Football Hall of Fame along with her husband, Harry, a Neshaminy teacher and coach for whom our stadium is named," the school district said.

Franks directed the high school's choirs, taught music classes, and provided piano accompaniment for any performing group or musical that asked for her assistance.

After taking a few years off to start a family, she returned to Neshaminy, teaching Kindergarten at Walter Miller Elementary School, and later teaching at Tawanka Elementary School. Franks retired in 1998.

After living in Langhorne for years, the Franks family moved to Hopewell, NJ, where she lived until her passing.

Franks is survived by her two daughters and son, their spouses, and her six grandchildren, as well as her three great-grandchildren.