Joan Martella, OCDS

Joan Martella, OCDS, (nee Tanda), age 88, of Wallingford, PA, formerly of Upper Darby, PA, West Philadelphia, and Springfield, PA, passed away on December 23, 2019.

Born in Philadelphia, PA, she was the daughter of the late Anthony and Theresa Tanda (nee Monzo).

Joan attended St. Paul Grade School in South Philadelphia and graduated from St. Gabriel Grade School in 1945.   She was a 1949 graduate of West Catholic Girls High School.  She also graduated with honors from Delaware County Community College in their Nursing Program.  She received her Nursing Certification (R.N.) granted by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in August, 1977.  She had been employed at Lankenau Hospital.

Throughout Joan’s life, she was totally devoted to her birth and nuclear families.  She devoted much time to community service in various capacities.

She was a former parishioner of St. Laurence Church where she was a Eucharistic Minister, Lector, member of the Charismatic Prayer Group, Sodality of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Altar and Rosary Society and many outreach activities.

She was a devoted member of the Secular Order of Carmelites (OCDS), the Saint Joseph Community, contributing greatly to the group’s prayer life and living out her calling to the fullest.

She was a leader and participant on trips and activities with the Girls Scouts of America and the Boy Scouts.  She enjoyed square dancing with her husband, Carmen.   She traveled with her husband to every continent with the exception of Antarctica.

Joan’s mother resided in her home during her final months.  Joan nursed her with the most loving, professional care until her passing in September, 1985.

Joan’s Catholic faith was without question the firm foundation of her long life.  She attended daily Mass as long as she was able.  She dedicated her life to fulfilling her vocations as wife, mother, nurse and secular Carmelite.  She will be loved, missed and remembered by countless family members and dear friends.

Joan is survived by her beloved husband, Carmen Martella of 67 years.  She is survived by her loving children Richard Martella (Ann), Rev. Linda Martella-Whitsett (Giles), Susan Mahoney (James), Andrew Martella, Sr., (Susan), and Christopher Martella (Vicky Primer).  She was predeceased by her son, Carmen Martella, Jr. (Dawn) in 2017 and her daughter, Maureen Martella in 2001.  She is also survived by her 17 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.  Joan was the sister of Theresa Cavicchio (Joseph), and the late Joseph Tanda, the late Leon Tanda, the late Anna Palermo and the late Antoinette Frazier.

Relatives and friends are invited to her viewing Tuesday, December 31, 2019 9:30-10:50 AM at St. Kevin Church, 200 W. Sproul Road, Springfield, PA and to her Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM.  Interment SS Peter and Paul Cemetery, Springfield, PA.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to The Sisters of Life, Annunciation Motherhouse, 38 Montebello Road, Suffern, NY 10901    www.sistersoflife.org    would be appreciated.