Ann Joan Ard (Poston)
Ann Joan Ard of Newtown, Pennsylvania entered eternal life peacefully from her home on May 16, 2021, with her loving children by her side. She was 93 years old.
Joan was the beloved wife of the late James J. Ard, with whom she shared 49 happy years of marriage before his passing in 2010. She was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey to the late Clarence and Catherine Poston (née McHugh). The family’s hometown was Roselle, NJ. A model student, Joan graduated from Holy Trinity High School in Westfield, New Jersey in 1945, and took classes at Seton Hall University before becoming an executive secretary at Merck in Rahway, NJ. Joan departed Merck to raise her two young children, Michael and Catherine, and to help care for elderly relatives.
In 1989, Joan and Jim relocated to Newtown, PA and became faithful members of St Andrew Catholic Church in Newtown. Her Catholic faith permeated her life and identity. Joan’s beautiful soprano voice graced the St Andrew church choir for over 25 years. She also was a member of the Women’s Guild and other church organizations.
Joan regarded her roles as wife, mother, and proud grandmother her greatest joy and achievement in life. She cherished many memorable vacations with her husband and children. Joan relished music, entertaining, gardening, reading, great Italian cooking, and attending her daughter’s theatrical performances. She enjoyed a good crossword puzzle and game of Scrabble, and excelled at the lost art of handwritten thank-you notes. Most of all, Joan treasured special times with beloved family and friends – often with a warm cup of tea and a slice of her famous Irish bread.
Joan embodied the virtues of kindness, humility, and generosity. Her positive outlook, warmth, great sense of humor and gift for making each person feel special left an indelible imprint on countless hearts. Joan and her radiant smile will forever be remembered by those who knew and loved her.
In addition to her parents and husband James, Joan was preceded in death by her baby daughter Jeanmarie, and her brother Victor Poston. She will be deeply missed by her children, Michael and his wife Jean of Texas, and Catherine of New Jersey; her grandchildren, James, Mary, Brigid, Michael, and Nicholas; her nephews Richard (Kathy) and Gregory Poston; special cousins and many loving friends.
Relatives and friends may greet Joan’s family on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 from 10:00 until the start of her Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 at St Andrew Catholic Church, 81 Swamp Road, Newtown, PA 18940. Interment will take place privately.
In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a memorial contribution in Joan’s name to Chandler Hall Hospice Program (ch.kendal.org – go to “Donate” at the top of the page).
Morning Visitation
Wednesday, May 26th, 2021
10:00 AM - 11:30 AMSt. Andrew Catholic Church
81 Swamp Road
Newtown, PA 18940Service
Wednesday, May 26th, 2021
11:30 AMSt. Andrew Catholic Church
81 Swamp Road
Newtown, PA 18940Cemetery