OBITUARIES
Obituaries » Joan Austin Share your Memorial with Family & Friends Joan Austin was born in 1934 in Rockford, Illinois. She passed away peacefully on October 16th, 2023, at her daughter & son-in-law’s home in Damascus PA at the age of 89. When she was 36 Joan went to college to become a school teacher. She moved to Culver City, CA so her daughter could take daily ballet lessons & pursue her ballet career. Joan taught 4th grade in Los Angeles and taught English at night at USC. When she retired at 71, she had perfect attendance for the last 13 years of her teaching career. Every summer Joan would drive cross country on Route Six from LA with her two cats to be with her daughter and family at the family cottage on Island Lake in Starrucca, PA. She loved gardening and created an amazing summer haven for all. When she retired, she moved to PA and lived in Honesdale. She joined the Women’s Club and the Presbyterian Church where she served as a Deacon. She loved writing birthday & anniversary cards to the parishioners as well as baking for the Thursday night dinners. Joan was talented in sewing, knitting & quilting however her talent in hand painting China was outstanding. The hand painted China collection that she created is truly amazing. Joan’s biggest love however was for children; all children. Whenever she shopped; and she shopped a lot, she would always buy gifts of clothing, children books and toys for an unknown child. At the end of summer, she would have a long list of gifts to be handed out. Every year after Thanksgiving dinner each outfit, book & toy were put into ziplock bags by her daughter and grandson and in early December were taken to Children and Youth Services in Honesdale. In her last year of shopping she had 150 bagged outfits, and books with a toy for a child she didn’t know but she knew that they needed a present at Christmas. She was a real life Mrs. Claus to many needy children over the years. Joan is survived by her daughter Elaine Austin LoCicero, son-in-law Richard Alan LoCicero of Damascus, grandson Austin LoCicero of NYC, nephew Larry Ault and her niece Carol Thomson of California. She is dearly missed and loved by all whose lives she touched in her unique special way. Arrangements by Hessling Murray Funeral Home, 428 Main St. Honesdale.Check your settings when you are happy with your print preview press the print icon below.
Show Obituaries
Show Guestbook
Show Photos
QR Code
Print
For well over a century, Hessling Funeral Home has offered traditional and non traditional services. We provide funeral services to all cultures and religious faiths. Making this difficult time a little easier for our families is our primary concern. In this spirit, we created our website, in which you will find information about our services and facilities, useful items such as directions, obituaries, and monuments. Please browse through our website and feel free to contact us with any questions that you may have.