Johanna Biddlecomb Shahan, 92, of Hagerstown, MD, passed away on January 7, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born at home in Fair Port, VA on October 5, 1932, to the late Walter Joseph and Maria McCullough Biddlecomb.
Johanna was graduated from Reedville High School in 1950 and from Longwood College in 1954. She taught elementary school in Fairfax County, VA before moving to Hagerstown in 1956. She taught at Fountaindale Elementary, Bester Elementary (Media Specialist), Smithsburg Elementary, and was a long-term substitute for many years. She retired from the Washington County Public Schools in 1998. Johanna was a member of The Presbyterian Church, Hagerstown, MD since 1957 where she served on many committees and served as an elder, a deacon, nursery coordinator, and was a member of a Presbyterian Women’s Circle. She had also been a Cub Scout den mother and a docent at the Hager House.
Johanna is survived by her children, Donald Shahan, Jr., Ann Blessing (Jim), Maria Sowers (Bill), Philip Shahan (Joyce Sykes), and Emily Failes (Bryan). She is survived by grandchildren, Jennifer Popp (Chris), Catherine Clear (Jim), Philip Shahan, Jr. (Kelsey Carlton), Ellen Goodrich, Kristin Shahan, Christine Brugh (Chase Aycock), Craig Fuss, Sarah Fenwick (Cy), and great-grandchildren, Riley, Nora, Henry, John, Colton, and Miles. She is also survived by a brother, Joseph Dudley Biddlecomb (Anita) and sister-in-law, Beverley Biddlecomb.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband of 65 years, Donald Brooks Shahan, sisters Maria Rogers (Ray), and Winifred Delano (Beale), and brothers Fred Biddlecomb, Walter Biddlecomb (infant) and David Biddlecomb (infant).
The Reverend Dr. Eric T. Myers of Frederick Presbyterian Church, Frederick, MD will officiate at graveside services on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 10:00 am at Rest Haven Cemetery, 1601 Pennsylvania Ave., Hagerstown, MD. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Douglas A. Fiery Funeral Home, 1331 Eastern Blvd. N., Hagerstown, MD.
