Mount Carmel – Joan Marie Martin, 85, left us to be with our Lord on January 7, 2024. Joan resided in Mount Carmel all of her life.

She was born on October 27, 1938, the daughter of the late Paul and Anna (Novak) Martin. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Robert J. Martin.

Joan is survived by her godchild and niece, Annette Marie Martin Anthony (Mark W. Anthony); a niece, Suzanne (Martin) Rafferty (Kevin Rafferty); and a niece, Lisa (Martin) Bland (David Bland).

Joan is also survived by very close cousins, Ron Novak (Ann Novak) and Dennis Novak (Louise Novak), whom she stayed in touch with all her life.

Joan cared for her parents as well as her neighbors for many years. She had a very strong opinion and spoke her mind, no matter who she spoke with; this was one of her traits. Underneath the sternness was a sweet, kind-hearted lady. She made knitted and crocheted items for children and for people who needed them. She always thanked God for her hands and the talent he gave her. Her gifts such as blankets, hats, and shawls went to nursing homes, churches, new mothers in need, infants that passed, and recently to Honduras.

Joan loved yard sales!

She worked at many jobs in her life, working at the garment factory in Kulpmont for over 30 years, cleaning doctors' offices, ironing for people, working at the factory for plant seeds, and working at the school. Joan relied on close friends to take her to Walmart, the bank, or just for a bite to eat. We cannot thank everyone enough: Toni, Loretta, Kim, Connie, Carol, Melissa, Joe, Violet, Robin, and her knitting group.

Joan loved you all!

For many summers, Joan traveled to Maryland to visit her family. She would spend the summers in the A/C, which she loved. Joan would always want to do the dishes, even when we would tell her that she was on vacation. Off came her wristwatch and the washing began! She loved her wristwatch! One summer she was washing clothes and placed all the wet clothes on our single pole clothesline. Well, she placed so much on it that the entire line fell to the ground. Even Joan had to laugh at that. I think she enjoyed those summer trips.

There is a very special place in heaven for Joan. May God watch over her always. Love, your family and friends.

Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, January 18, 2024, at 11 a.m. with Father Francis Karwacki officiating in the Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel ( Livestream of Funeral Mass ). Burial will follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Mount Carmel. Viewing will be held on Thursday, January 18, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. with transferal prayers at 10 a.m. in the C. J. Lucas Funeral Home Inc., 27 N Vine St, Mount Carmel, PA, C. J. Lucas IV, Supervisor. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or Donate Here