Joan Martin

Joan Woodruff Martin passed away on May 2, 2018. Born in Norfolk, VA on August 15, 1931, she was the daughter of the late Marion and Ruth Woodruff.

She graduated from Maury High School in 1949. A non-traditional student, she earned part of her degree at the College of William and Mary’s extended campus (now known as Old Dominion University) and then transferred to Temple University where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry in 1953.

While in Philadelphia, she met, fell in love with and married R. Spencer Martin, Jr. on June 20, 1953. Shortly after their wedding they moved to Rhode Island where Spencer was an engineer for Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Company.  During his first few days it was mentioned that the company needed a chemist- Spencer replied “My wife is a chemist, shall I bring her in?” Joan interviewed, and became one of the first female chemists hired by Pratt & Whitney.

In 1955 she and Spencer moved to the Wyoming Valley and settled on Carverton Road in Trucksville to raise their five children. While parenting five children (Four boys and a girl) wasn’t always easy, Joan did so with grace, structure and a remarkable ability to maintain order within chaos.

Throughout her lifetime, Joan was heavily involved in community and civic activities. She was an active member of The Rotary Club of Dallas and honored as a Paul Harris Fellow. She was the past director of Meals on Wheels, sat on The American Heart Association Board, sang at The St., John’s Lutheran Church and Shavertown United Methodist Church choirs.

Joan was a lover of life and enjoyed spending time on Long Beach Island, traveling to faraway places, visiting museums, art exhibits and most of all spending time with her family.  Never was she happier than when everyone was gathered together to swim, eat dinner, play cards and discuss current events. Her home was famous for Fourth of July pool parties, family reunions, Christmas celebrations and even a few weddings.

Preceding her in death was Joan’s husband, parents and sister. Surviving are her children Eric and his wife Consuelo, Kim Koehl and her husband Chip (All from Trucksville),  Jeffrey and his wife Denise Churchward (Nuremberg, Germany), Craig (Waterbury, Ct.), Kurt and his wife Faye (Westhampton, NJ), 11 Grandchildren: Jessica, Aaron, Sarah, Rachel, Bess, Sophie, Ian and Quinn Martin, Noah Churchward, and Hilary and Erica Koehl, 10 Great Grandchildren: Emma, Rowan, Sarah, Olivia, Sydney, Connor, Lucas, Dylan, Genevieve and Ayrton as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial service will be held Friday, May 4, 2018 at 4:00 PM at The Shavertown United Methodist Church, 163 Pioneer Ave, Shavertown with The Rev. Judy Walker, pastor Shavertown United Methodist Church, officiating. Friends may call from 2:00 PM until time of service at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of The Richard H. Disque Funeral Home, Inc., 2940 Memorial Highway, Dallas, In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to Habitat for Humanity of The Wyoming Valley c/o 303 Market Street, Kingston, Pa. 18704.