Joette Marie Foris, 74, of Kulpmont was called from this earthly life into the loving arms of Jesus Christ, her Savior, on August 25, 2026, at her home with her devoted sister by her side.

Joette was born May 3, 1952, in Shamokin, and was the eldest child of the late Rita (Oshinskie) and Joseph P. Foris.  She was a lifelong resident of Kulpmont and received her education at St. Casimir's Elementary School and Our Lady of Lourdes Regional High School, Class of 1970.  She was a woman of many gifts, and upon graduating from high school, she earned a degree in education from Alvernia College, Reading, PA. Joette came to love the Franciscan ways of charity, piety, humility, and sacrifice, and for several years was a member of the Franciscan Sisters in Reading, Pennsylvania. She continued her graduate studies at Bloomsburg University and Bucknell University.

Joette continued her teaching career at the Mount Carmel Area School District as both teacher and administrator until her retirement in 2010.  She also served as Director of Religious Education at her home parish, Holy Angels.  Joette gave her children someone who truly cared about them.  She was strict, but fair, and quick to remind her students that she "loved them dearly", and that was quickly followed by "but you need to learn."

A model Franciscan, Joette had a tremendous love for animals.  She cared for many cats, kittens, dogs, and even a raccoon named Orville.  All life was precious in her eyes, creatures great and small.

Joette was always able to see God's creative hand in nature.  She had a deep love for flowers and found joy in their colors, fragrance, and structure.  She felt blessed to have been raised in a family with a greenhouse (AKA playhouse) that showed her the magic of seed to full plant transformation.  Joette and her siblings, Maria and Andy, worked many years at Rhoades Florist in Kulpmont, where their creativity and love of flowers blossomed into beautiful artistic creations.

Joette never wavered from her Catholic faith. She reminded her friends and loved ones that in difficult times, a simple prayer is all that is needed.  "Jesus, I trust in You." She also served her Lord by using her musical talent to enhance her Church choir.

Joette was preceded in death by her parents, Rita and Joseph, and her brother, Andrew.  She is survived by her sister, Maria of Kulpmont, cousins, Carmella, Rosann, Kathy, Carl and David, and her beloved dogs, Leo, Benny, and Frosty.

All are welcome to attend the recitation of the Rosary on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at the Church of the Holy Angels, Kulpmont. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday with Father Andrew Stahmer officiating at the Church. Burial will follow at St. Casimir's Cemetery in Marion Heights. Memorial donations may be made to Church of the Holy Angels, 855 Scott St., Kulpmont, PA 17834 or Our Lady of Lourdes Regional School, 2001 Clinton Avenue, Coal Township, PA 17866.  Arrangements are in care of C J Lucas Funeral Home Inc., 1053 Chestnut St., Kulpmont, PA 17834, Ashley P. Doyle, Supervisor. To send condolences to the family, please visit www.cjlucasfuneralhome.com