Joanne Perdita Perlin

Joanne Perdita Perlin, 68, of Reisterstown, MD, passed away on Friday, January 2, 2026, at home surrounded by her family. Born on May 8, 1957, in Saskatchewan, Canada, she was the daughter of the late Friedemann H. B. Penner and Hannelies Schuldt Penner. In 1963, her family immigrated to Baltimore where her father served as pastor of Zion Lutheran Church. She went on to Towson University where she met the love of her life, Michael John Perlin. They were married for 44 years. Joanne worked as an art teacher with Baltimore County Public Schools for 33 years. She was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church of Reisterstown, where she served on various committees and sang in the praise band. Joanne was an advocate for the environment and was a member of several environmental organizations including Owings Mills Green Action. She spent her retirement years traveling the country with her husband in their RV. Her passions were church, arts and crafts, yoga and spending time with family and friends. Surviving her in addition to her husband are children: Jessie Graham and husband John of Redondo Beach, CA, Andy Perlin of Reisterstown, MD, Emily Perlin of Baltimore, MD, grandchildren: Luella and Frances Graham, Nora and Edie Perlin, and brothers: Bernard Penner of Baltimore, MD, Thomas Penner of Hanover, PA. Joanne was a loving mother, a devoted grandmother, a beloved friend to many, and a steady presence of humor, fun and creativity to all who knew her.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 10, at 11 am, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 109 Main St, Reisterstown, MD. It will be followed by a reception in the Life Center at Trinity. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Trinity Lutheran Church to complete their community gathering space. Joanne was a strong believer in this space and its role in helping the people of Reisterstown come together in the spirit of fellowship and good works. Click on this link to contribute to the Church’s Memorial/Honorarium Donations.

Arrangements are by the ECKHARDT FUNERAL CHAPEL, P.A., Owings Mills, MD.