Joan L. Howarth (née Peterson), 93, of Woodlyn, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2025, at Riddle Memorial Hospital.
Born in Marshfield, Massachusetts, Joan was the beloved daughter of the late Roy and Emily (Nickerson) Peterson. She spent her early years in Marshfield and later made her home in Woodlyn for 28 years with her husband, Jack, where together they built their dream home—on a lot lovingly chosen by their grandson, Louis, when he was just four years old.
Joan shared a 67-year love story with her husband, John J. “Jack” Howarth Jr., a bond built on deep devotion and everyday affection. Their journey began with a chance meeting and a blue crystal-faced watch, and from that moment on, Jack never missed an opportunity—often more than once a day—to remind Joan how deeply he loved her.
She was the proud mother of two daughters, the adored grandmother of seven, and a cherished great-grandmother to many. Joan had an extraordinary gift for making those around her feel remembered and cared for—through handwritten notes, timely phone calls, or her legendary homemade pies and spritz cookies (especially the green ones with icing).
A lifelong baseball enthusiast, Joan could recount player stats and historic plays with the precision of a seasoned sports analyst. She followed the Phillies and Red Sox with equal passion, often punctuating her commentary with an enthusiastic “Hot dog!” Radio broadcasts were her favorite, and her love for the game was both deep and contagious.
Joan was a steady, loving presence in the lives of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Whether babysitting, rocking a newborn to sleep, or simply showing up when needed, she gave her time and heart freely. Her sharp wit, kind spirit, and fierce loyalty to family will be deeply missed. Her memory lives on in every saved letter, every treasured recipe, and every inning watched with joy.
Joan was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John J. Howarth Jr., and her siblings Myrtle Crandall, Roy Peterson, Richard Peterson, Eleanor Damon, Allen Peterson, Joyce Mercer, and Annette Mroz.
She is survived by her daughters, Janet (Ray) Tini and Anne (Louis) Garay; her brother, Ron (Doreen) Peterson; and her sister-in-law and dear friend, Margaret Urey.
She also leaves behind seven grandchildren—Emily (Jason) Miller, Rosanna Garay, Louis (Jessica) Garay, Alexander Garay, Brendan Garay, Oliver (Jessica) Garay, and Lydia (Zachary) Young—and her beloved great-grandchildren: Tiernan, Katharine, Eleanor, Conall, Evelyn, Agatha, Odin, Helena, and Ophelia; and many loving nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 23, 2025, at Bateman-Allen Funeral Home, 4220 Edgmont Avenue, Brookhaven, PA.
Visitation: 9:45–10:45 a.m. – Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m. – Interment to follow at Mount Hope Cemetery, Aston, PA.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Association (Breakthrough T1D), 555 Croton Road, Suite 117, King of Prussia, PA 19406 or by clicking this link Juvenile Diabetes Association
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