Fern I. Poorman

Fern Isabel (Hoaster) Poorman, 96, of West Lebanon died peacefully on June 15, 2025. She was born in West Lebanon on July 3, 1928, the daughter of Frank and Sara Hoaster. As a child, she spent a great deal of time with her grandparents, John and Susanna Cramer. Fern (known to her grandchildren as "Mamma") was a graduate of Lebanon High School, class of 1946. Fern married Roger W. Poorman ("Rog" or "Pap", depending on the audience) on October 4, 1947, following his return home from active duty in the Pacific theatre as a member of the Marine Corps. After marrying, they built their home in West Lebanon down the street from where she grew up, where they raised two children, Roger C. Poorman and Robert J. Poorman. Fern and Rog were married for over 50 years prior to Rog's passing in 1999. Fern lived in her home independently and continued to drive until shortly before her death, which was what she wanted to do. Her license plate read "RWP-26", which were her late husband's initials and the year he was born. Fern worked for the Department of the Army at Fort Indiantown Gap, where she was responsible for processing and paying payroll for reserve personnel throughout the United States (and before they became states, Alaska and Hawaii). Fern eventually was placed in charge of an input station which maintained a "number 1" rating for overall performance and accuracy. Her strong work ethic and attention to detail was recognized by her superiors, and she was eventually named supervisor of the year, first for Fort Indiantown Gap, and later, for the entire Central Pennsylvania region. During her time at "The Gap," she also served as an equal opportunity counselor. She earned the respect of everyone she worked with and eventually retired after more than 30 years of distinguished service. Following retirement, Fern continued to serve others, volunteering first as a counselor at The Hope Program for Lebanon County Christian Ministries from 1990-2005, and then as a receptionist at The Good Samaritan Hospital from 2005-2009. Fern was very active in her community throughout her life. She was a member of St. Luke's United Methodist Church since 1955, as well as a member of Steel Workers Senior Citizens, Lebanon Senior Citizens, the National Association of Retired Federal Workers, and a Life Member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Chapter No. 115. Fern enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and abroad, with some of her favorite trips including Spain, Costa Rica, and the Panama Canal. She was also a trusted advisor and confidant to many, both family members and friends. Fern was the matriarch of her family and loved to host family gatherings. She and Rog installed an in-ground pool in their backyard which served as the venue for countless Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day gatherings. These events were usually the highlight of the summer for the family, and featured Rog manning the grill and Mamma's delicious baked goods (lemon sponge pie being a particular hit). Family members spent their time relaxing in the pool, doing cannonballs off the diving board, and playing wiffle ball. On Independence Day, the festivities concluded with everyone enjoying the fireworks at Coleman Park, which could be seen from her home. Labor Day often included various family members piling into her "den" to watch the opening week of NFL action. Another treasured family tradition was Christmas Eve, which was held in the basement of her home right after the Christmas Candlelight service wrapped up down the street at St. Luke's. Family members eagerly gathered to exchange gifts and enjoy food, drinks, and one another's company. All of these events underscored the importance of family in Fern's life. She is survived by her two sons and daughters-in-law, Roger C. Poorman (Patty), and Robert J. Poorman (Carole); three grandchildren, Roger P. Poorman (Stephanie), Elizabeth J. Culbertson (Karl), and Ryan J. Poorman; three great-grandchildren, Elias Culbertson, Mila Culbertson, and Roger P. Poorman, Jr. ("RJ"), and many special nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband and her grandson, Alexander T. Poorman. A public viewing will be held at Christman's Funeral Home, 226 Cumberland Street, Lebanon, PA 17042 on June 19, 2025, from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM. There will be a private graveside service for family members only following the viewing.For more information, to offer online condolences or to order flowers, please go to www.christmansfuneralhome.com