Joan Palisca

Joan Palisca was born November 10, 1931 in Roselle Park, New Jersey to Alice and Whitey Wenk, 3rd of their 5 children. She died on her 95thbirthday!

 At 4yrs old she contracted polio. Following surgery on her feet and legs at age 13, she partially recovered and it laid the groundwork for her resilient, optimistic attitude toward life. Her grandmother and aunt introduced Joan to a lifelong relationship with Jesus Christ. After graduating from Roselle Park High School she commuted by bus and train to her first clerical job at the Empire State Building. 

Swept off her feet by the humor of John Palisca, they married on September 6, 1952. They moved to Philadelphia and Joan soon gave birth to Linda, Michael, Alan, and Kathy. They raised their children in Ardsley, Pa. Joan’s faith was central to her life, and she was an active member in St Pauls Lutheran Church, Glenside Pa. She worked in the Abington School District and her kind but firm disposition made her a favorite to many high school students. Because of her tactful communication she was appointed as President ASD Secretaries union.

 In retirement John and Joan moved to Bethlehem Pa and spent winters in Lady Lake Florida. They traveled the country in John’s RV. With a team of friends from Wesley Methodist Church, Joan served at the Bethlehem soup kitchen every Thursday and Lehigh Valley Outreach Depot on Tuesdays and Saturdays. John died in 2013 after 61 years of marriage. At age 92 she became a member of Grace Church, Bethlehem and brought many of her friends from Traditions of Hanover to church. She truly blessed many people!

She is survived by her four children, 11 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. Joan was both a humble and faithful servant to both God and man. Her cheerful attitude and listening ear will be sorely missed.

A memorial service will be held 2pm on December 12th at Grace Church Bethlehem.