Joan Blackwell was born on May 23, 1942, into a large, loving Irish-American family, the second daughter of George and Cecilia Cox. Her mother, Cecilia, often joked that after her first daughter arrived as a perfect little lady, it was essential that Joan be dressed and photographed immediately—before she had the chance to roll around in the mud and show her true, spirited nature. From the very beginning, Joan made it clear that life was meant to be lived fully, joyfully, and with a sense of humor.

Joan attended Our Lady of Perpetual Help Grammar School and went on to become a proud member of the very first graduating class of OLPH High School. Her loyalty to her school never faded—she went on to organize and run class reunions for years, right up until the COVID-19 pandemic. Community mattered deeply to Joan, and she always found ways to keep people connected.

Her love of volunteering began early. As a young girl, she was so eager to help that her parents sometimes had to tell her to quite literally sit on her hands—especially when she began volunteering them to drive priests and nuns wherever they needed to go, back when the convent and rectory didn't have cars. That instinct to serve others stayed with her for the rest of her life.

Joan grew up surrounded by family. Sundays were spent at her grandmother's house, gathered around the table with aunts, uncles, and cousins—big family dinners filled with conversation, laughter, and love. Summers were just as special, spent at the family's summer house in Wayne, New Jersey, where Joan made countless memories alongside her beloved siblings Mary, Tommy, and Patricia, whom she loved deeply, as well as extended family and friends who came together year after year. Her siblings were a constant source of joy, laughter, and support throughout her life.

Joan loved to dance, and it was at a church dance that she met the love of her life, Noel—the youngest of nine children. When they married, Joan didn't just gain a husband; she gained an entire family, including five sisters-in-law who were nuns. Faith and family were always beautifully intertwined in her life.

Joan and Noel welcomed their daughter, Mary, and made their home on 76th Street in Bay Ridge. There, Joan became—by all accounts—the mayor of the block. She knew everyone, cared about everyone, and made sure everyone felt welcome.

She was deeply involved in parish life, belonging to the Our Lady of Angels bowling team and serving as a member of the Holy Rosary Society. When Mary attended Our Lady of Angels School, Joan and Noel were always present—at dances, events, and wherever support was needed. In later years, Joan continued her service as the treasurer of the senior center at OLA, never slowing down when it came to giving her time and heart.

Summers often brought the family to Stone Harbor, New Jersey, a place Joan loved dearly. And no matter the season, Joan loved to decorate—especially for holidays. Every celebration was an event, and even the dogs were included, dressed in Santa suits and Easter bonnets. It's easy to imagine Joan now, happily decorating heaven for Christmas.

Holidays were especially dear to her. Both sides of the family gathered at her home, where she delighted in cooking, hosting, and simply being surrounded by the people she loved most. Her goddaughter Meredith held a special place in her heart, as did Meredith's friends, who all knew her affectionately as "Aunt Joan."

Joan's kindness extended beyond people—she made sure neighborhood dogs received treats and that the stray cats in her yard were always fed. She noticed everyone and everything, and she cared deeply.

She was immensely proud of her grand-niece Ashley and could always be heard cheering the loudest at her performances. Her love of volunteering came full circle as she helped with concessions, ticketing, and anything else she could at Fontbonne and NCT. When Ashley began singing, Joan often joked that she wanted her to sing at her funeral—though the song she suggested, "Ding, Dong, The Witch Is Dead," perfectly captured her hilarious and mischievous sense of humor.

Even during the difficult years of Alzheimer's, Joan remained herself in so many ways. Though the disease brought challenges, it also brought moments of unexpected laughter. When once told that her husband Noel was in heaven, she replied without missing a beat, "No he's not—they wouldn't let him in." She remained a good sport to the very end, happily accepting teasing, especially from her brother-in-law Phil, who lovingly called her "Fat Albert"—a nickname she found endlessly funny.

During this difficult chapter, Joan was surrounded by extraordinary love. Her honorary daughter, Libby—her daughter Mary's best friend, who grew up on 76th Street and remained family in every sense of the word—came up frequently from Florida, her new home, to care for and support Joan during the final sixteen months of her life. God also sent an angel in the form of Delsy, her kind, compassionate aide, whose dedication and care went far beyond duty. Delsy could not have done more for Joan or for the Blackwell family, and her presence was a true blessing.

In those later years, Joan also believed that her nephew-in-law, Tommy, could do absolutely anything—whether president, dentist, plumber, or electrician. In her mind, there was nothing he couldn't fix or accomplish.

Joan was predeceased by her beloved husband, Noel Blackwell; her parents, George and Cecilia Cox (née Gallagher); her sister, Mary Halsey (Philip); her brother, Thomas Cox (Charlotte); her parents-in-law, Joseph and Marie Blackwell; her sisters-in-law, Sr. Beatrice, Sr. Ernestine, Sr. Marie, and Sr. Regina; and her brothers-in-law, Edmund (Edie), Joseph (Jean), and Andrew Blackwell.

She is survived by her devoted daughter, Mary Blackwell; her sister, Patricia Cox; her sisters-in-law, Sr. Rosemary Blackwell and Patricia Cox; her brother-in-law, Philip Halsey; her goddaughter and niece, Meredith Halsey-Kelly; her nephew-in-law, Thomas Kelly; her cherished grand-niece, Ashley Kelly, her honorary daughter, Elizabeth Terpstra and her devoted aide, Delsy Valdivieso.

Joan Blackwell will be remembered for her laughter, her kindness, and her deep love for others. She was everyone's friend—someone who truly cared, whether you were a lifelong companion or someone she had just met. She was a force to be reckoned with in life, and even in death. Told she had only an hour to live, Joan defied all expectations, holding on for six more days, leaving this world on her own terms.

Today, we take comfort in the belief that Joan has been reunited with her husband Noel, her parents and in-laws, her beloved siblings Mary and Tommy, the pets who brought her so much joy, cherished neighbors, and lifelong companions who loved her deeply and were loved by her in return. We find peace knowing that she is once again surrounded by familiar faces, laughter, and love.

May we remember Joan for the joy she brought, the love she gave, and the countless lives she touched. May she rest in peace—and may heaven be a little brighter, warmer, and better decorated because she is there.


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Visitation Hours
Friday, December 19, 2025
2 PM - 4 PM  and  7 PM - 9 PM

Clavin Funeral Home
7722 4th Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11209
Complimentary Valet Parking Available

Mass of Christian Burial
Saturday, December 20, 2025
10:15 AM
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Our Lady of Angels R.C. Church
7320 4th Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11209

Cemetery
Green-Wood Cemetery
500 25th Street
Brooklyn, NY 11232