Cover photo for Joanne Shugart-Shimp's Obituary
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1957 Joanne 2017

Joanne Shugart-Shimp

January 17, 1957 — July 21, 2017

At her home with her beloved daughter by her side, Joanne Shugart-Shimp, 60, of Harrisburg, passed away Friday, July 21, 2017 following a brief illness.

Born January 17, 1957 in Harrisburg, she was the daughter of the late John and Caroline (Rebacavage) Shugart and was also preceded in death by her brother, Jimmy in 1974.  She graduated in 1974 from Bishop McDevitt High School and was a member of St. Catherine Laboure Roman Catholic Church.

Still residing at her family's home with her daughter, Joanne grew up with a green thumb and a special knack for planting and floral designs.  She managed the nursery at Highland Gardens and her knowledge and creativity helped many customers plan their own landscaping and gardens.  She had a strong spirit and a sweet demeanor and developed a lovely romantic sense of style.  Joanne loved all animals and people, and was deeply appreciated for her open heart and open home.  She always knew the right thing to say and her beautiful voice and gentle ways were a comfort to many and will be missed by all.

Surviving is her husband, Paul Gregory Shimp, whom she's known since childhood; her daughter:  Chelsea Caroline; 3 step daughters:  Jessica Fischer (and her husband, Jason), Lancaster, Miranda Shimp, Lancaster and Rikki Bardvik (and her husband, Michael), Thorndale, PA; 3 brothers: John "Butch" Shugart (and his wife, Connie), Plevna, Ontario, Stephan Shugart (and his wife, Sandra), Philadelphia,  Larry Shugart (and his wife, Pam), Mechanicsburg; grandchildren:  Selah Victoria and Haven Andrew Bowman; step-grandchildren; Storm Shimp and Elijah Kent; Daniel, Brandon and Isaac Fischer; Ethan, Arlo and Indira Inthaphone; and Zia Bardvik; her special loves, her cats Tillie Myers, Cookie, Cleo, Libby and many, many others; and a great number of friends and family members.

Private graveside services will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery followed by an open gathering at Joanne's home for sharing remembrances.  Please contact the family for further information.

Joanne was a great believer in the Trap, Neuter, Release program for feral cats and was responsible for reducing the number of litters in her neighborhood.  In keeping with this and her deep love for all animals, contributions are requested in her memory to Castaway Critters, P.O. Box 1421, Harrisburg, 17105 - 1421 or the Humane Society of Harrisburg Area,  7790 Grayson Rd, Harrisburg, 17111.

Kimmel Funeral Home, Harrisburg, is handling arrangements.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Joanne Shugart-Shimp, please visit our flower store.

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