Joan Christina Fink

Joan Fink, aged 80, passed away, peacefully on January 24th, 2021, after a long battle with dementia. She was born in Baltimore, on March 24th, 1940, to Raymond M., and Ruby M. Fink, and was raised in Harford County.

In 1962, she joined the Army, and became a licensed vocational nurse, eventually earning credentials as an operating room specialist. She served her country, faithfully, for 20 years, before retiring at Ft. Hood, Texas. She then went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Mary-Hardin Baylor, and had successful careers, in both social work and teaching.

Throughout her life, Joan was athletic, and became an avid runner and tennis player. While stationed at Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu, she ran seven miles every day, after her hospital shift. Her love of running eventually led her to successfully complete the Honolulu marathon in 1983. She was also an expert marksman.

In addition, she served as a Eucharistic Minister at her local Catholic church. She loved classic cars, old movies, and spending time with her family. She had a great sense of humor and enjoyed entertaining everyone with her colorful stories. She was a woman of conviction, and never hesitated to speak her mind.

She is survived by her daughter, Genevieve Saltzman, grandsons, Ezra and Benjamin Saltzman, sister Deborah Arriaga, niece Juliette Lada, and a grumpy cat, named Elektra. She is preceded in death by her parents, her sisters, Betty Lou, and Ruby Fink, as well as her adopted sister, Eleaze Horne.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, May 7th, 2021 at 11am at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church Cemetery 1 St. Marys Church Road in Abingdon.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Gary Sinise Foundation, https://www.garysinisefoundation.org/ ,which serves veterans and their families.