Joyce Nagel Hartwig

Joyce Nagel Hartwig was called home to heaven on June 8, 2017 in Sun City Center, Florida with her daughter by her side.  She was 76 years old.

Joyce was born on August 17, 1940 in New York City to Paul and Almina Nagel, and grew up on Staten Island.  She graduated from Wagner College in 1962 where she met her future husband, Richard Hartwig.  They married in 1963 and moved to the Washington DC metro area, ultimately settling in Laurel, Maryland where her husband served in the US Navy at Fort Meade.  They were original owners in the Montpelier neighborhood and raised their daughter, Kristina, there.  Richard preceded her in death in 1996.

Joyce’s greatest joy was her family.  She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Kristina Wendt and Colonel Kurt Wendt, US Air Force, of San Angelo, Texas, and her grandsons, Richard Wendt of Austin, Texas, Robert Wendt of San Angelo, Texas, and Ryan Wendt of San Angelo, Texas.  She loved playing cards with her grandsons, going out to lunch at some of her favorite restaurants, and spending time visiting with them.

Joyce taught elementary school in both Virginia and Maryland.  She touched many young lives, and one of her former students even kept in touch with her until her passing. 

Joyce lived for over fifty years in Laurel.  She joined many clubs in Montpelier, but her favorite place to be was the Montpelier swimming pool.  Joyce would go twice a day if she could, and loved being with her pool friends and being a “pizza mama” for their weekly parties.  She was also a huge Baltimore Ravens fan and made sure to wear purple on Fridays to show her support.

Joyce had many friends that were special to her—some long-time Montpelier friends, some pool friends, and many others.  She made friends wherever she went and had a caring and joyful heart.  Joyce was also a long-time member of Our Savior Lutheran Church.  She believed strongly in God and gave thanks for every day she was given.  

Joyce touched countless lives in many special ways.  She is deeply missed by her family, and they hope she is happily swimming in heaven. 

Friends will be received from 11:00 AM until the time of service at 12:30 PM at the Donaldson Funeral Home, 313 Talbott Ave. Laurel, MD 20707. 

In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial donation to Our Savior Lutheran Church in Laurel, Maryland.

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