Joan Roberta Hondowicz was born in Perth Amboy, New Jersey to parents Leopold Paul Lavin and Matilda Aguero Lavin. She graduated from Perth Amboy High School in 1962 and earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Douglass College in New Brunswick, New Jersey in 1966.

She was employed as a systems analyst with J.C. Penney for 19 years. Joan’s life motto was “I’d rather do than promise!”   Her life was a joy to all who she encountered.  Travel, reading, learning, and giving epitomized her life. After retiring from J.C. Penney with Fred she traveled to New Zealand, Australia, China, Italy, Canada, and Spain as well as the northwest in the USA.

For 20 years Joan and Fred raised their two sons, David and Brian, in Edison New Jersey.  In July 1988 Joan and Fred moved to Plano, Texas, with the J.C.Penney move from New York City.  As the years passed they shared the joy of their son’s college and graduate degree achievements and their son’s marriages and the birth of their grandson, Matthew.

In 2001, Joan survived breast cancer with ball room dancing and personal training which demonstrated her ability to overcome life’s “bumps”.

Her passion was organizing and leading her Friday Spanish group which met in her home on Friday mornings. Joan and Fred were one for 52 wonderful years.

Joan passed with her husband, Fred, at her side, in their home, eight days after 31 days in Medical City of Plano. Although a bittersweet moment, Joan enjoyed a final Facetime with Matthew, her grandson. She received the Last Rites and the Holy Eucharist the day before passing into our Lord’s hands.

Joan is survived by her loving husband Fred, sons Brian Hondowicz (Audrey Park) and grandson Matthew of Redmond, Washington and David Hondowicz (Rebecca Nelson) of Silver Springs, Maryland, sister Linda Lavin Luden of Old Bridge, New Jersey, nephew Douglas Luden of Rancho Santa Margarita, California, niece Jacqueline Luden of Carson, Washington and cousins Lou Farkas (Bev) of Oceanside, California, Patricia Lavin Burke (Brian) of Sewaren, New Jersey, Adele Wyzykowski of Colonia, New Jersey, Donna Stumpf Racette (Tony) of Peachtree City, Georgia, Robert Stumpf (Lori) of Staten Island, New York, Susan Stumpf Kennedy of Staten Island, New York, Beverly Sanchez (Joe Morgan) of Vero Beach, Florida and  Judy Sanchez of Fairbanks, Alaska.