Joan Barbara "Joanie" Martin

Joan Barbara Martin, 75, of Orlando, Florida. November 4, 1940 - November 9, 2015 Born in Brooklyn, New York to Rose and Andrew Crapanzano. Survived by her loving husband of 55 years, Peter Martin. Two daughters, Denise Akos and Cindy Basen and their husbands, Billy Akos and Rich Basen. Has 8 beloved grandchildren. Brandie, Christie, Ryan, Billy, Bobby, Ricky, Lauren and Samantha. One sister, Marie Tartaglia, 2 brother-in-laws Richard Tartaglia, and John Martin, and one sister-in-law, Elearnor Blasi. She was the Valedictorian of her graduating class at Franklin K. Lane High School and attended Drake School of Business in New York. Joanie met Peter at his cousins Sweet 16 birthday party. He was in the Navy and he told Joanie, he would write to her. She wrote him back and laced her letters with her favorite perfume so he would always remember her scent. A few years later, they married, had two daughters and eventually moved from East Rockaway, New York, to Long Island New York. After 5 years, they decided to pack up the family and move to sunny, Florida, to begin a new chapter in their lives. Joanie was a homemaker for most of her marriage, then as the girls grew up she began working mainly in the retail industry. She worked for Joseph Shoe Imports in New York City, Behr’s Shoe Center at Church Street Station, in Orlando, as well as Dillard’s Department Store in Fashion Square Mall. Throughout Joanie’s adult life, she enjoyed arts and crafts of all kinds, playing card games with friends and family, playing bingo with her sister and husband as well as going on weekend getaways to Tampa and Mount Dora. Joanie was always passionate about her family! She supported her daughters and grandchildren in whatever they were involved in. Joanie was their #1 Cheerleader and very proud of all their accomplishments in school and extracurricular activities. We will all miss Joanie’s contagious smile, laughter, and her unmeasurable graciousness. Visitation will be held at Blessed Trinity Catholic Church, in Orlando, on Saturday, November 14, 2015 at 1:30 PM, followed by a Funeral Mass at 2:00 p.m. The family requested that in lieu of flowers, you may make a donation on Joanie’s behalf to: www.alz.org Tribute Name: Joan B. Martin