Joan M. Holjencin

Joan M. Holjencin, 88, of 251 Taft Road, St. Marys, passed away peacefully Monday, June 2, 2025, at her residence with her loving family by her side.  She was born August 28, 1936, in Rosebud, PA, daughter of the late Leo Cusick and Millie Lednik Cusick Myers.  A vibrant soul with an infectious zest for life, Joan filled every moment with her radiant smile, joyful laughter, and profound faith. She lived a rich and fulfilling life, touching countless hearts with her warmth and devotion.

On May 21, 1955, in St. Basil’s Catholic Church in Coalport, PA, Joan married the late Joseph J. Holjencin, who preceded her in death on January 22, 2016.

Joan was a woman of deep faith in God and had a heartfelt devotion to the Blessed Mother.  Daily reading of devotionals and prayer were an important part of her life.  Her love for her family, especially her beloved children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, was boundless, and she treasured every moment spent with them, creating memories filled with love and laughter.  She had a lifelong passion for music and dancing.  Her family knew that when certain songs were played, no matter where they were, Joan was going to get up and dance and she was going to encourage everyone to join in.  Her radiant smile and infectious laughter brightened even the darkest days, and her passion for cooking and baking created cherished moments around tables filled with delicious meals and sweet treats. Her kitchen was a sanctuary of love, where recipes, stories, prayers, and family traditions were shared.  For many decades she and Joe enjoyed the warmth of Florida winters, where they found joy in the sunshine and formed many treasured friendships.

Throughout the final year of her life, Joan was blessed with the loving, compassionate care of a group of nurses and caretakers affectionately dubbed “Joanie’s Angels” to whom her family will be forever grateful.

Joan is survived by a daughter, JoAnne Ryan (David); two sons: Larry Holjencin (Julie) and Michael Holjencin; five grandchildren: Keith Holjencin (Jackie), Kristy Crum (Scott), Brittany Wilhelm, Veronica Holjencin, and Nicole Burton; five great-grandchildren: Noah, Isabella, Charlotte, Madison, Finn, and Maeve; son-in-law, Mark Becker; sisters: Donna Clarkson, Kaye Shields (Tom), and Laura “Teenie” Campbell, sister-in law Joan Cusick; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband and parents, Joan was preceded in death by a daughter, Teresa “Terri” Holjencin Becker; a brother, Joe Cusick; and two brothers-in-law, Jim Clarkson and John Campbell.

Joan was a member of Holy Rosary Church in Johnsonburg where she served as a Eucharistic Minister for many years.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Holy Rosary Church on Monday, June 9, 2025, at 12:00PM with Rev. David Wilson, Pastor, celebrating. Burial will be in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.

Joan’s family will greet friends and family on Monday, June 9, 2025, at the church from 11:30AM until the time of service.  Memorial donations, if desired, may be made to Holy Rosary Church, 210 Bridge Street, Johnsonburg, PA 15845.