Joan Elaine Martin

Joan Elaine Martin, 86, of Weston, Conn., and formerly of Cape Girardeau, died Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023, surrounded by her family at St. Francis Medical Center.   

She was born on Aug. 19, 1937, in Cairo, the daughter of Raymond Sr. and Marie Taylor. 

She is survived by her sister, Evelyn Taylor of Cape Girardeau; daughter Pam Franco (spouse Joe Mancinelli) of Weston, Conn.; and grandchildren, Lauren Franco of Ullin, Cole Mancinelli of Weston, Conn., Michael Mancinelli of Fairfield, Conn., and Megan Moody of Hamden, Conn. 

Her beloved son, Pete Franco, preceded her in death in 2019. 

One of 11 children, she is also survived by many nieces and nephews. 

A devoted and lifelong Catholic, she dedicated much of her free time to spreading the Gospel by teaching religious education to children and helping the women’s groups in her parishes, including St. Mary’s Ladies Auxiliary in Cape Girardeau.  

Early in her career, she worked in the medical field, but most of her career was dedicated to children. She was a teacher’s aide in Mound City and later went on to work for Shawnee Development Council before running her own daycare for 14 years in Anna.  

She came out of retirement to work at St. Francis Medical Center in same day surgery for six years.  

Above all, she was a caregiver, both of the elderly and young, and all who knew her experienced her warm, compassionate and nurturing love. 

Her greatest joy was her family and spending time together, especially at the holidays. For many decades, she helped others to celebrate Christmas by assisting Santa at Christmas time. She visited many classrooms, churches and senior living centers ringing in holiday cheer as Mrs. Claus. 

She loved animals and one of her special outings was visiting the animals at the local Humane Society with her grandchildren.

A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Mary’s Cathedral on Friday, Nov. 17, at 11 a.m., with Father Allan Saunders officiating.