Joan Helen Martin (nee Keegan) passed away peacefully on April 2, 2025 after a brief illness.  The devoted wife of the late Thomas P. Martin, she was also predeceased by her beloved daughter, Marianne Meagher.  She was born to Lawrence V. Keegan and Helen Katherine Roberts in Bay Ridge and spent her early childhood in Laurelton, Queens.

In the wake of her mother's death when Joan was just five years old, she spent many of her formative years at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament, Broadlea, Goshen NY and developed a lifelong admiration for the Dominican Sisters, who had such a profound impact on her upbringing. She cherished visits from her father, and her brothers who attended school in nearby Newburgh.

Joan returned to 58th Street and spent her teenage years reunited with her beloved brothers Larry and John, her loving father, and a host of loving aunts, uncles, and cousins.  She had a lifelong fondness for the Redemptorists of OLPH and was the favorite niece of the late Reverend John J. Keegan, CSSR.

She graduated from St. Savior High School at age 16, scored 100% on her spelling regents, and continued her education at Notre Dame College, Staten Island; the affiliated predecessor to St. John's University.  She met her husband Tommy at a Sunday night dance at Our Lady of Angels, they married in 1956, and she remained a parishioner for nearly 70 years.

After raising her children, Joan became a beloved neighborhood fixture at the Neuguard Pharmacy Postal Center.  Her customers would often endure unusually long lines, just to get it done right and experience her dedicated custom service. She continued working into her 80's and often credited her health and longevity to walking throughout Bay Ridge and keeping active.

Joan is survived by her loving children, Joanne Fezza (Tom), Thomas P. Jr. (Susan), Kevin (Lori), and Brian (Ann) and son-in-law Jack Meagher. She was immensely proud of her thirteen grandchildren, cherished her three great-grandsons, and eagerly awaited the arrival of two additional great-grandchildren in the coming months.

Joan was a loving aunt and cousin and cherished her friendships surrounding OLA, Bay Ridge, and most recently with the residents and dedicated caregivers at the Sunrise Assisted Living Community, Lincroft, NJ. She was blessed to have some of the finest neighbors in Bay Ridge.

In keeping with the Lenten season, the family requests in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:
The Dominican Sisters of Blauvelt or Sparkill

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation

or a charity of your choosing.


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Visitation
Sunday, April 6, 2025
2 PM  -  6 PM

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


Funeral Mass
Monday, April 7, 2025
10:15 AM
Livestream Link

Our Lady of Angels R.C. Church
7320 4th Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11209


Interment
Resurrection Cemetery
361 Sharrott Avenue
Staten Island, NY 10309