Worcester - Joan Delia (Reed) Martin, 77, of Hemlock Street, Worcester, passed away peacefully in her home on Friday, August 24, 2012 surrounded by her loving family.
Joan is survived by her beloved husband of 56 years, David H. Martin. She is also survived by her children Diane M. Balinski and son-in-law, Eugene W. Balinski, of Marlborough and David J. Martin and daughter-in-law, Doreen Martin of Spencer; grandson, Richard Leonard and his wife, Jessica, of Spencer; three great grandchildren, Leah Leonard, Kolton Leonard and Jaxon Leonard all of Spencer and her “grand-pooches” Jockey and Zoey. She is also survived by her sister, Barbara Hokanson and brother-in-law, Russell Hokanson of Wilmington, DE and her paternal aunt, Frances O’Day, of Worcester as well as many much loved nieces, nephews and cousins. Joan’s other two sisters, Marilyn Marrier and Marie Kawiaka, both of Worcester, predeceased her.
Joan suffered the loss of two of her dearest friends, Dorothy Richert in 2011 and Helen Koslowski in 2000. She leaves behind many treasured friends that were part of her extended family including Constance & Adelbert Cyr of Worcester, Clyde Richert of Oxford, LindaLeigh & Andy Aberdale of Acton, Randi & Tina Richert of Dudley, June & Ed Mendela of Brimfield, and Laurie & Dan Burt of Woodstock, CT. She was so honored to be “Gramma Joan” to Andrew Aberdale of Acton as well as Virginia Rose Richert and Leland Richert of Dudley.
Joan was born in Worcester on January 28, 1935. She was the daughter of the late John E. Reed and Lillian E. (Lizotte) Reed. Joan graduated from Shrewsbury High School in 1954 where she was a member of the choir and drama club. Joan was an Avon representative for over 35 years achieving the sales rank of President’s Club member, earning many awards for her efforts as well as making treasured friends. She was extremely creative with her talents including cake decorating, knitting, crocheting, sewing and painting. She was a member of several bowling leagues over the years and proud to be part of the “Chandler Chicks”, a group of women whose friendships were bonded in childhood. Graced with great faith, Joan was a devoted parishioner of Our Lady of the Angels parish in Worcester.
Joan’s funeral will be held from Alfred Roy & Sons Funeral Home 12 Hammond St. in Worcester on Wednesday, August 29th with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 AM in Our Lady of the Angels Church, 1222 Main Street, Worcester. Burial will follow in St. John’s Cemetery. Calling hours are from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, August 28th in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Our Lady of the Angels Church c/o Family Center Campaign, 1222 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01603.
To share a memory with the family, offer a condolence or for directions please visit www.Royfuneral.com