Joan (Donohue) Eichhorn

Joan Eichhorn, beloved spouse of John C. Eichhorn and loving mother to Rani Ruby and her husband Mike of Arnold, MD and Ashley Eichhorn of Titusville, PA passed away unexpectedly from Alzheimer’s related complications on September 19, 2021.

Joan is survived by her husband, daughters and five grandchildren: Maxwell Cooper Ruby (19) of Arnold, MD, Nicholas Michael Ruby (16) of Arnold. MD, Graham Tucker Ruby (12) of Arnold, MD, Sadie Josephine Thompson (6) of Titusville, PA, and Patrick Charles Scullin (4 months) also of Titusville, PA.

Joan was born in Durham, NC to Joseph Kenneth and Elizabeth Orton Donohue on October 16, 1942.  She graduated from the University of North Carolina, Greensboro in 1965 with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education.  She went on to teach first grade at Edmondson Heights Elementary School in Baltimore County for eight years.  During that time, she became known for her creative first grade productions which she produced, wrote, directed and inspired many young people to pursue the creative arts.  Later, after staying home to raise her own girls and inspire them on the way to musical theatre majors themselves, she continued to capture the hearts of children as a YMCA Chipmunks pre-school assistant in Westminster, MD.

Joan was probably best known throughout the community for her deep commitment to and involvement in September Song Community Theatre.  She not only loved her role of producer, but deeply believed in the group’s mission of giving back to the community through charities such as C.H.A.N.G.E.org.  Throughout her almost forty years of involvement, with September Song Theatre, she developed many lifelong friendships and continued to inspire many to cultivate a love of theatre.  Joan’s own passion for the arts was contagious and inspiring to the whole community.

Joan’s other passion was her family.  She met her husband, “Jack” on a blind date in 1965 and they remained happily married since.  Even after Alzheimer’s began to take its cruel hold, Joan would come alive with the first chords of an orchestra or the mention of her children’s or grandchildren’s names.  Her vivacious spirit and warm soul will be missed by the many she touched.

The family will receive friends 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, September 23, 2021, at Myers-Durboraw Funeral Home, 91 Willis St., Westminster, MD.  A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, September 24th at the funeral home with the Rev. Dr. Marty Kuchma officiating.  Burial will follow at Evergreen Memorial Gardens in Finksburg.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 1850 York Rd., Suite D, Timonium, MD 21093, or online at alzfdn.org.